- protandry
- \\-drē\ noun
(-es)
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary prot- + -andry1. : a state in hermaphroditic systems that is characterized by the development of male organs or maturation of their products before the appearance of the corresponding female product thus inhibiting self-fertilization and that is encountered commonly in mints, legumes, and composites and among diverse groups of invertebrate animals — compare protogyny2. [prot- + andr- + -y] : the appearance of male insects earlier in the season than females of the same species
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protandry /prō-tanˈdri/noun1. In a hermaphrodite organism, the maturation and loss of the male elements before the female elements develop (zoology)2. In a flower, opening of the anthers before the stigmas can receive pollen, so preventing self-pollination (botany). Cf ↑protogynyORIGIN: Gr prōtos first, and anēr, andros man, male• • •protanˈdrous adjective
Useful english dictionary. 2012.