erection

noun

erec·​tion i-ˈrek-shən 

1

a

: the state marked by firm turgid form and erect or elevated position of a previously flaccid bodily part containing cavernous tissue when that tissue becomes dilated with blood

b

: an occurrence of such a state in the penis or clitoris

2

: the act or process of erecting something : construction

3

: something erected

Synonyms

• construction
• structure

Examples of erection in a Sentence

the erection of a new apartment building

when it was brand-new, the Eiffel Tower was considered as ugly an erection as Europe had ever seen

Recent Examples on the Web

One major misconception is that erections can be like the TV show Cobra Kai—on demand and available at a moment’s notice. —Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024

Take, for example, the pictures of men with full erections. —Benjamin Moser, The New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2024

Parasympathetic nervous system: This system stimulates blood flow to the genitals, leading to erections (males) and lubrication (females). —Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 7 Oct. 2024

This can affect things like erections, orgasms, even muscle tone. —Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 4 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

erection

noun

erec·​tion i-ˈrek-shən 

1

: the process of erecting : the state of being erected

2

a

: the state marked by firm swollen form and erect position of a previously limp or flabby bodily part whose tissue becomes dilated with blood

b

: an occurrence of such a state (as in the penis)

3

: something erected

Medical Definition

erection

noun

erec·​tion i-ˈrek-shən 

1

: the state marked by firm turgid form and erect or elevated position of a previously flaccid bodily part containing cavernous tissue when that tissue becomes dilated with blood

2

: an occurrence of erection in the penis or clitoris