"Polygamy" has two roots; the first part of the word (poly) comes from the greek word "polús", that means "many"; the second part of the word (gamy) comes from the greek term "gámos", which means "marriage"; both terms were used in an ancient greek word: "polugamos" that literally meant "married to many". The word "polygamy" in english also refers to someone who is married to more than one person.