Definition
dioecious
adjective
- having male and female reproductive organs in separate individuals; (of a plant or animal species) with males and females as distinct organisms
Usage: biology; botany
Examples
- Ginkgo trees are dioecious, so only the male trees are planted in cities to avoid the foul-smelling fruit.
- Many dioecious plants rely on insects or wind to transfer pollen between male and female flowers.
- In dioecious species, reproduction requires both male and female individuals.
- The holly plant is dioecious; you need both male and female plants to produce berries.
- Dioecious animals like most mammals have distinct sexes with different reproductive roles.