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cuckoldry

n. sexual behavior in which a pair-bonded female mates with a male other than her partner. Only about 10% of bird species that are socially monogamous are genetically monogamous as well (see monogamy). Males whose mates engage in extrapair mating assist in the rearing of the unrelated offspring. Females practicing cuckoldry may benefit from having progeny from genetically higher quality males; for example, female blackbirds that do this have more surviving offspring than monogamous blackbirds.

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Psychology term of the day

March 16th 2025

imipramine

imipramine

n. a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) with a tertiary amine molecular structure. It was originally synthesized in the hope of creating an effective antipsychotic but was observed to be ineffective in reducing psychotic symptoms. It did, however, seem to help individuals with severe depression and was subsequently marketed as an antidepressant. It is considered the prototype TCA, and like all tricyclic agents, its use as an antidepressant has been largely supplanted by less toxic drugs. It retains a therapeutic role as a sedative and adjunct in the management of neuromuscular or musculoskeletal pain. U.S. trade name: Tofranil.