How Do You Spell MEROANDRY?

1. Meroandry is a term primarily used in the field of anthropology and refers to a social system or practice where women have multiple husbands simultaneously. It stands in stark contrast to the more commonly known practice of polygyny, where men have multiple wives. The term "meroandry" is derived from the Greek words "meros," meaning "share" or "part," and "andros," which translates to "man." Therefore, "meroandry" can be understood as a form of marriage where women actively share or divide their marital ties among multiple husbands.

   In meroandrous societies, wives may choose to have relationships and marry more than one man, often presenting a reciprocal arrangement where each husband shares equal rights and responsibilities for the family. This social structure challenges the traditional notions of monogamy and patriarchy prevalent in many societies worldwide. Meroandry can be driven by cultural, economic, and demographic factors and has been found in a few societies around the world, including some indigenous cultures in parts of Asia, Africa, and Oceania.

   Meroandrous relationships can also impact issues related to inheritance, child-rearing, and the division of labor within a household. It offers an alternative perspective on gender roles and challenges the notion that marriage should strictly follow a one-man, one-woman dynamic. The study of meroandry contributes to our understanding of diverse social arrangements and the intricate complexities of human behavior in different cultural contexts.

The word "meroandry" is a combination of two root words: "mero" and "andry".

The root word "mero" is derived from the Greek word "meros", which means "part" or "portion". This element is commonly used in the English language to indicate partial or incomplete aspects of something. For example, "meromorphic" in mathematics refers to a function that is partial or incomplete in terms of its analytic continuation.

The second root word "andry" is derived from the Greek word "andros", which means "man" or "male". This element is often used to describe aspects related to men or males. For example, "androgynous" refers to someone who exhibits both masculine and feminine characteristics.

Therefore, "meroandry" combines the element of partiality or incompleteness with the aspect of men or males.