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Androgyne

nounPronunciation: /ˈæn.drə.dʒaɪn/

In Portuguese: Andrógino

What does “Androgyne” mean?

A mythical primordial being uniting male and female characteristics in a single unified body.

Etymology

From French androgyne and Latin androgynus, from Greek androgynos, "male and female in one", formed from aner, genitive andros ("man"), and gyne ("woman"). The word is found in English from the Middle Ages. In Greek it is the name of the double being described in the myth told in Plato's Symposium. In modern English the adjective androgynous is far more common than the noun.

Usage note

The noun is rare outside myth, philosophy and literature; everyday English uses the adjective androgynous.

Often confused with

hermaphrodite
Hermaphrodite comes from another myth, that of Hermaphroditus, and became a term of biology; androgyne is the being of the Platonic myth.
android
Android shares the Greek element andr- but means a machine in human form.

Word family

  • androgynous
  • androgyny
  • androgynously

Usage examples

  • In the past, human beings were not divided into separate sexes, but rather were a unified androgyne.

Concept

Source editions

Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.

Words of the same theme

Rebirthnoun
A new beginning after a period of decline or destruction, used in mythology to describe the cyclical return to life after death. In Archetype.0, rebirth is the defining characteristic of both the Bennu and the Phoenix.
Synchronicitynoun
The simultaneous occurrence of events that appear meaningfully related yet lack a direct causal connection.
Self-immolationnoun
The deliberate destruction of oneself, typically by fire. In Archetype.0, self-immolation is the voluntary act by which the phoenix builds a nest of fragrant spices and woods, ignites itself and is consumed by the flames.
Immortalitynoun
The quality of being immune to permanent death, living or enduring beyond a single lifespan. In Archetype.0, immortality is one of the five semiotic attributes of the Phoenix: the flames are not an end but a transition, an essential phase of its immortal existence.
Mjolnirnoun
In Norse mythology, the hammer of the god Thor, forged by dwarfs and known for its short handle. It is the weapon with which he defends gods and humans.
Alchemistnoun
A practitioner of alchemy, seeking to transmute base metals into noble elements and discover a universal cure.
Blissnoun
A state of supreme happiness, utter contentment, or serene, untroubled joy.
Chacronanoun
The tropical shrub Psychotria viridis whose leaves provide dimethyltryptamine in the preparation of ayahuasca.
Decoctionnoun
The process of extracting soluble chemicals and active compounds from tough plant materials by continuous boiling in water.
Elixirnoun
A magical or medicinal potion believed capable of curing illnesses or conferring exceptional vitality.
Entheogenicadjective
Relating to or possessing the capacity to induce religious, spiritual, or sacred altered states of consciousness.

Also from these editions: terms

Agapenoun
A selfless, unconditional, and altruistic form of love often associated in theology with divine charity.
Aûsunoun
An Old Tupi noun denoting love, affection, friendship, or benevolent regard.
Aûsubverb
An Old Tupi transitive verb meaning to love, care for, or hold someone in deep esteem.
Benefactornoun
A person who supports, protects, or assists another individual through resources, rank, or mentorship.
Chivalrynoun
The medieval knightly code of conduct demanding honor, valor, courtesy, loyalty, and Christian devotion.
Erosnoun
A passionate, romantic, and often erotic love characterized by intense longing, attraction, and creative vitality.
Ludusnoun
A playful, flirtatious, and lighthearted form of love free from long-term obligations or solemnity.
Philianoun
A deep, reciprocal, and virtuous affection among friends or equals based on shared values and mutual loyalty.
Potionnoun
A liquid concoction endowed with purported medicinal, magical, toxic, or transformative powers.
Pragmanoun
A practical, enduring, and mature love built on long-term commitment, shared duties, and realistic expectations.
Storgenoun
Natural familial affection, especially the instinctive bond shared among parents, children, and siblings.

Also from these editions: concepts

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Cite this entry

“Androgyne”. Agency Wiki, Agency Brasil. Published on November 11, 2026. https://www.agencybrasil.com/en/wiki/dictionary/androgyne