a theory that each race of people is descended from distinct ultimate ancestors
see also monogenism
polygenism in American English
(pəˈlɪdʒəˌnɪzəm)
noun
the theory that the human race has descended from two or more ancestral types
Derived forms
polygenist
noun or adjective
polygenistic
adjective
Word origin
[1875–80; poly- + -gen(y) + -ism]This word is first recorded in the period 1875–80. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: hat trick, neoclassic, overdraft, pressure point, weekenderpoly- is a combining form with the meanings “much, many” and, in chemistry, “polymeric,”used in the formation of compound words. Other words that use the affix poly- include: polyandrous, polyculture, polyethylene; -gen is a combining form meaning “that which produces,” used in the formation of compoundwords. Other words that use the affix -gen include: endogen, hydrogen; -ism is a suffix appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it was used to form action nounsfrom verbs (baptism). On this model, -ism is used as a productive suffix in the formation of nouns denoting action or practice,state or condition, principles, doctrines, a usage or characteristic, devotion oradherence, etc. (criticism; barbarism; Darwinism; despotism; plagiarism; realism; witticism; intellectualism)