1. having male and female reproductive organs in separate individuals; (of a plant or animal species) with males and females as distinct organisms
Usage: biology; botany

Examples

• Ginkgo trees are dioecious, so only the male trees are planted in cities to avoid the foul-smelling fruit.
• Many dioecious plants rely on insects or wind to transfer pollen between male and female flowers.
• In dioecious species, reproduction requires both male and female individuals.
• The holly plant is dioecious; you need both male and female plants to produce berries.
• Dioecious animals like most mammals have distinct sexes with different reproductive roles.