Here's a breakdown:
* Poly- is a prefix meaning "many" or "multiple".
* Gamous comes from the Greek word "gamos", meaning "marriage".
Therefore, "polygamous" literally means "having multiple marriages".
However, the term "polygamous" is often used more broadly to describe any type of relationship where a person has multiple partners, regardless of whether those relationships are legally recognized as marriages.
Here are some common examples:
* Polygamy: The practice of having multiple spouses, usually with one person having multiple wives or husbands.
* Polyamory: The practice of having multiple romantic relationships at the same time, with the knowledge and consent of all partners.
It's important to note that cultural norms and legal definitions of "polygamous" relationships vary greatly around the world.