1. of, relating to, or being an organism that has both male and female reproductive organs or characteristics
Usage: biology; scientific
2. combining or blending characteristics, qualities, or elements of two different kinds
Usage: figurative; rare

Examples

• Earthworms are hermaphroditic animals that possess both male and female reproductive systems.
• Many flowering plants are hermaphroditic, producing both pollen and ovules.
• The hermaphroditic nature of snails allows them to reproduce even in isolation.
• Some fish species are hermaphroditic and can change their sex depending on environmental conditions.
• The garden slug is hermaphroditic but still requires a partner to reproduce.
• In a hermaphroditic organism, both gamete types are produced by the same individual.