smegma

noun

smeg·ma ˈsmeg-mə

: the secretion of a sebaceous gland

specifically : the cheesy sebaceous matter that collects between the glans penis and the foreskin or around the clitoris and labia minora

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, detergent, soap, from Greek smēgma, from smēchein to wash off, clean

First Known Use

circa 1819, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of smegma was circa 1819

See more words from the same year

smeeth

smegma

smell

See all Nearby Words

Style

“Smegma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smegma. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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smegma

noun

smeg·ma ˈsmeg-mə

: the secretion of a sebaceous gland

specifically : the cheesy sebaceous matter that collects between the glans penis and the foreskin or around the clitoris and labia minora