gynoecy
|gyn-oe-cy|
/ˈɡaɪnəsi/
femaleness / female-only condition
Etymology
'gynoecy' originates from Greek elements via New Latin: from Greek 'gynē' meaning 'woman, female' and 'oikos' meaning 'house' (used in compounds to indicate a type or dwelling).
'gynoecy' developed from New Latin or botanical Latin formations such as 'gynoecia' (plural) and entered modern English usage through scientific/botanical literature in the 18th–19th centuries.
Originally built as a compound literally meaning 'female house' (referring to female reproductive parts or the state of being female), it came to be used specifically for 'femaleness' generally and, in botany, for 'plants bearing only female flowers.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the state or quality of being female; femaleness.
Researchers noted the gynoecy of the population when most individuals displayed female characteristics.
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Noun 2
in botany, the condition of a plant producing only female (pistillate) flowers; the presence of pistillate flowers only.
Many cultivars of cucumber have been bred for gynoecy to increase fruit yield.
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Last updated: 2025/08/26 07:57