semen

noun

se·​men ˈsē-mən How to pronounce semen (audio)
: a viscid whitish fluid of the male reproductive tract consisting of spermatozoa suspended in secretions of accessory glands (as of the prostate and Cowper's glands)

Examples of semen 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.
If a semen analysis indicates poor sperm quality, motility (movement), or count, treatment can potentially reverse this. Josephine Hessert, Verywell Health, 1 Dec. 2024 Authorities in Florida sent the sample to the California Department of Justice, which confirmed Williamson’s DNA matched the DNA semen sample recovered from Gonzalez’s body. Jordan D. Brown, CNN, 24 Nov. 2024 Detectives continued to investigate the case for years and uploaded a semen sample taken from the crime scene into the Combined DNA Index System. Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 21 Nov. 2024 During his recovery, researchers used PCR tests to look for the virus in his blood, urine and semen. Maria Isabel Barros Guinle, NPR, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for semen 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin, seed, semen; akin to Old High German sāmo seed, Latin serere to sow — more at sow

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of semen was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near semen

Cite this Entry

“Semen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semen. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

semen

noun
se·​men ˈsē-mən How to pronounce semen (audio)
: a sticky whitish fluid of the male reproductive tract that contains the sperm

Medical Definition

semen

noun
se·​men ˈsē-mən How to pronounce semen (audio)
: a viscid whitish fluid of the male reproductive tract consisting of spermatozoa suspended in secretions of accessory glands (as of the prostate and Cowper's glands)

More from Merriam-Webster on semen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!