hermaphrodite

Hermaphrodite is a term used in biology to describe an organism that possesses both male and female reproductive organs or gametes. It is most commonly applied to non-human species, where individuals may have functional reproductive systems of both sexes, either simultaneously or sequentially in life.

Simultaneous hermaphroditism is when an individual has mature male and female gonads at the same time and can produce both sperm and eggs. This arrangement is found in many invertebrates such as terrestrial and aquatic snails, some flatworms, and some barnacles.

Sequential hermaphroditism involves a life-stage sex change. In protandry, individuals start male and later become female; in protogyny, they start female and later become male. Clownfish are protandrous; many reef fishes, such as wrasses, are protogynous.

In humans and many mammals, the term is considered outdated or stigmatizing for people with atypical sexual development. Intersex is the preferred umbrella term for a variety of conditions where chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomical sex is not strictly male or female. Some intersex people have gonadal tissues that include both ovarian and testicular elements (ovotestes) or mosaic gonads; such conditions are rare. Medical language now emphasizes individualized care and precise diagnoses rather than a single label.

Etymology: from Greek hermaphroditos, combining Hermes and Aphrodite.