epigamic

American  

[ep-i-gam-ik] / ˌɛp ɪˈgæm ɪk /

adjective

Zoology.

1. serving to attract a mate, as the colors of certain birds.

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epigamic British  

/ ˌɛpɪˈɡæmɪk /

adjective

1. zoology attractive to the opposite sex

   epigamic coloration

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Etymology

Origin of epigamic

First recorded in 1885–90; from Greek epígam(os) “marriageable” ( epi-, -gamous ) + -ic

Example Sentences

Scientists examining the ticklish subject have offered assorted explanations: mustaches are telltale signs of political conservatism or father worship, emblems of confident nonconformity, or "epigamic adornments designed to win mates, like phosphorescence in fireflies."

From Time Magazine Archive

A dummy Bell Vireo elicited both agonistic and epigamic behavior from nesting pairs, depending on the phase of the nesting cycle.

From Natural History of the Bell Vireo, Vireo bellii Audubon by Barlow, Jon C.

Although there is epigamic display in species with sexes alike, it is usually most marked in those with secondary sexual characters specially developed in the male.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 6 "Cockaigne" to "Columbus, Christopher" by Various

Within the scope of my research it was difficult to detect the over-all sequence of epigamic displays that result in synchronization of the physiological states of the sexes throughout the period of courtship.

From Natural History of the Bell Vireo, Vireo bellii Audubon by Barlow, Jon C.

With this species authors have concentrated on the mechanics of the breeding season and their reports contain little discussion of the aggressive and epigamic behavior of the bird.

From Natural History of the Bell Vireo, Vireo bellii Audubon by Barlow, Jon C.