‖n.; pl. Hermae [ L. ] See Hermes, 2. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Hermaphrodism. B. Jonson. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. hermaphrodisme. ] (Biol.) See Hermaphroditism. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. hermaphroditus, Gr. &unr_;, so called from the mythical story that Hermaphroditus, son of Hermes and Aphrodite, when bathing, became joined in one body with Salmacis, the nymph of a fountain in Caria: cf. F. hermaphrodite. ] (Biol.) An individual which has the attributes of both male and female, or which unites in itself the two sexes; an animal or plant having the parts of generation of both sexes, as when a flower contains both the stamens and pistil within the same calyx, or on the same receptacle. In some cases reproduction may take place without the union of the distinct individuals. In the animal kingdom true hermaphrodites are found only among the invertebrates. See Illust. in Appendix, under Helminths. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Including, or being of, both sexes; as, an hermaphrodite animal or flower. [ 1913 Webster ]

Hermaphrodite brig. (Naut.) See under Brig. Totten.

{ } a. 1. (Biol.) Partaking of the characteristics of both sexes; having male and female reproductive organs in the same plant or animal; characterized by hermaphroditism. Opposite of dioecious. [ wns=1 ]-- Her*maph`ro*dit"ic*al*ly, adv.
Syn. -- monoecious, monecious, hermaphrodite. [1913 Webster + WordNet 1.5]

2. Specifically: (Botany) having pistils and stamens in the same flower. Opposite of diclinous. [wns=2]
Syn. -- monoclinous. [WordNet 1.5]

n. (Biol.) The union of the two sexes in the same individual, or the combination of some of their characteristics or organs in one individual.

{ } a. [ Gr. &unr_;, fr. &unr_; to interpret: cf. F. herméneutique. ] Unfolding the signification; of or pertaining to interpretation; exegetical; explanatory; as, hermeneutic theology, or the art of expounding the Scriptures; a hermeneutic phrase. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. According to the principles of interpretation; as, a verse of Scripture was examined hermeneutically. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Gr. &unr_; (sc. &unr_;). ] The science of interpretation and explanation; exegesis; esp., that branch of theology which defines the laws whereby the meaning of the Scriptures is to be ascertained. Schaff-Herzog Encyc. [ 1913 Webster ]