'polyandrous' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'polyandros,' where 'poly-' meant 'many' and 'andros' meant 'man or husband.'

'polyandros' transformed into the French word 'polyandre,' and eventually became the modern English word 'polyandrous' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'having many husbands,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.