1823, "composed of many kinds," from poly- + -genic. Used in chemistry from 1873 for "forming two or more compounds" (with hydrogen or another univalent element).
Entries linking to polygenic
poly-
word-forming element meaning "many, much, multi-, one or more," from Greek polys "much" (plural polloi), from PIE root *pele- (1) "to fill," with derivatives referring to multitudinousness or abundance. Equivalent to Latin multi-, it is properly used in compounds only with words of Greek origin. In chemical names, usually indicating a compound with a large number of atoms or molecules of the same kind (such as polymer).
-genic
word-forming element meaning "producing, pertaining to generation;" see -gen + -ic.