perineum

noun

per·​i·​ne·​um ˌper-ə-ˈnē-əm How to pronounce perineum (audio)
plural perinea ˌper-ə-ˈnē-ə How to pronounce perineum (audio)
: 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 adjective

Examples of perineum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for perineum 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of perineum was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near perineum

Cite this Entry

“Perineum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perineum. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

perineum

noun
per·​i·​ne·​um
variants also perinaeum
plural perinea also perinaea -ˈnē-ə How to pronounce perineum (audio)
: 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

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