-andry

The combining form -andry is used like a suffix to indicate the noun form of adjectives ending in -androus, meaning “male.” It is very occasionally used in scientific terms, especially in botany.

In terms from botany, -andry is used to specifically indicate the state of having a number or type of stamens, the pollen-bearing organ of a flower. In some terms, such as polyandry, the form is used to indicate practices around having a husband.

The form -andry comes from Greek -andría, essentially meaning “male.” This suffix, in turn, derives from Greek anḗr, “man.”

What are variants of –andry?

While -andry doesn’t have any variants, it is related to other combining forms: andro-, andr-, and -androus. Want to know more? Check out our Words that Use articles for each form.

A term you may have encountered that features the form -andry is misandry, “hatred, dislike, or mistrust of men.”

The form mis- has a variety of meanings, including “hate,” from Greek mîsos meaning “hatred,” while the form -andry means “male.” Misandry literally translates to “male hate.”

What are some words that use the combining form –andry?

• gynandry (using the equivalent form of -andry in Greek)
• monandry
• polyandry (using the equivalent form of -andry in Greek)

What are some other forms that -andry may be commonly confused with?

• -aceous
• -an
• -ance
• -ancy

The combining form mon- means “one.” With this in mind, what does the botanical term monandry mean?