# androgynous

/ænˈdɹɔdʒənəs/ (US) · /ændɹˈɒdʒɪnəs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/androgynous
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 3. mechanical connectors

adjective · CEFR C2 · Technical

describes a plug or port that can connect to another one exactly like it.

For teachers: referring to a docking port or connector designed to mate with another of the same configuration, rather than having distinct male and female versions.

- The spacecraft used an androgynous docking system to link with the international station.
- The engineering team specified an androgynous coupling mechanism to ensure that any two modules could be joined in an emergency.

## Examples

- She wears androgynous clothes that look great on anyone.
- The designer created an androgynous collection that blurred the lines between traditional menswear and womenswear.
- In many species of reptiles, the sex of the offspring is determined by the temperature of the nest, leading to androgynous traits in certain environmental conditions.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.