perineum

noun

per·​i·​ne·​um ˌper-ə-ˈnē-əm 

plural perinea ˌper-ə-ˈnē-ə 

: an area between the thighs that marks the approximate lower boundary of the pelvis and is occupied by the urinary and genital ducts and rectum

also : the area between the anus and the posterior part of the external genitalia

perineal

ˌper-ə-ˈnē-əl 

adjective

Examples of perineum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Inner Clock, by Lynne Peeples Buy the Book There’s lots of advice about circadian rhythms floating around the internet these days, some of it useful (be aware of light exposure before bedtime), some of it very much not (perineum sunning). —Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 2 Dec. 2024

Hands-free and easy to use, they’re designed to stimulate both the person wearing it and the person being penetrated, for fuss-free clitoral stimulation and perineum pleasure. —Sarah Madaus, SELF, 10 July 2024

Electrical stimulation: This involves the placement of electrodes on the perineum to stimulate the pelvic floor muscles with gentle electrical currents. —James Myhre & Dennis Sifris, Md, Verywell Health, 8 July 2024

After an episiotomy is performed, your doctor or midwife will repair the perineum by stitching the wound closed with dissolvable sutures (also called absorbable sutures). —Robin Elise Weiss, Phd, Parents, 1 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin perinaion, from Greek, from peri- + inan to empty out; perhaps akin to Sanskrit iṣṇāti he sets in motion

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

perineum

noun

per·​i·​ne·​um

variants also perinaeum

ˌper-ə-ˈnē-əm 

plural perinea also perinaea -ˈnē-ə 

: an area of tissue that marks externally the approximate boundary of the pelvic outlet and gives passage to the urogenital ducts and rectum

also : the area between the anus and the posterior part of the external genitalia especially in the female