EPIGAMOUS Meaning and
Definition
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Epigamous is an adjective used to describe a societal or cultural system in which individuals tend to marry or form relationships based on factors such as social status, wealth, or power. It is frequently used in the context of studying human societies and their marriage practices.
In an epigamous society, the selection of a partner is usually influenced by social considerations rather than personal choice or romantic affection. The focus in such societies is on finding matches that will enhance or maintain social standing, consolidate alliances, or ensure economic stability. This preference for marrying within one's own social or economic group is often driven by factors such as the desire to preserve inherited wealth, family or clan reputation, or the maintenance of power structures.
Epigamy stands in contrast to other forms of marriage systems such as exogamy or endogamy. Exogamy refers to the practice of seeking marital partners from outside one's own social group, while endogamy involves marrying within one's own group, such as within a specific community, caste, or tribe.
Understanding epigamy can provide insights into social structures and dynamics within a given society. It sheds light on patterns of social mobility, the transmission of wealth or power over generations, and the formation of alliances to strengthen or consolidate societal positions.
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Noting the theory that the sex of the individual is determined by external factors acting upon the embryo during its period of development; see progamous and syngamous.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for EPIGAMOUS
- wpigamous
- spigamous
- dpigamous
- rpigamous
- 4pigamous
- 3pigamous
- eoigamous
- eligamous
- e-igamous
- e0igamous
- epugamous
- epjgamous
- epkgamous
- ep9gamous
- ep8gamous
- epifamous
- epivamous
- epibamous
- epihamous
- epiyamous
Etymology of EPIGAMOUS
The word epigamous is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: epi, meaning upon or addition, and gamous, derived from gamos, meaning marriage or union.
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