* Poly (πολύς) means "many" or "multiple".
* Gamos (γάμος) means "marriage" or "union".
Therefore, "polygamy" refers to the practice of having more than one spouse at a time. There are different types of polygamy:
* Polygyny: One man with multiple wives.
* Polyandry: One woman with multiple husbands.
The term "polygamy" can also be used more broadly to encompass other forms of multiple relationships, such as:
* Polyamory: The practice of having multiple romantic relationships with the consent of all partners.
* Open relationships: Relationships where partners have the freedom to have other sexual or romantic relationships outside the primary relationship.
While the terms "poly" and "gamos" are often used in the context of marriage, they can also be used to describe other forms of multiple relationships or unions.