Polygamy
/pəˈlɪɡ.ə.mi/noun
The practice or condition of having more than one spouse simultaneously.
Did you know?The word 'polygamy' comes from ancient Greek roots that signify 'much marriage,' hinting at the complex social rituals involved in these unions, often tied to power dynamics and family lineage!
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
πολυγαμία (polygamía)
“The state of having multiple spouses.”
Late Latin
Latin
polygamia
“Adoption of the Greek term, retaining its meaning of multiple marriages.”
14th Century
Middle English
polygamye
“Adapted from Latin, referring to the practice of having multiple wives.”
Modern English
English
polygamy
“The continued use of the term in English to describe multiple concurrent marriages.”
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