testis

noun

tes·​tis ˈte-stəs 

plural testes ˈte-ˌstēz 

: a typically paired male reproductive gland that produces sperm and secretes testosterone and that in most mammals is contained within the scrotum at sexual maturity

Examples of testis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These particles have been found in various bodily organs—including the kidney, liver, placenta and testes—although not at such concentrations as now seen in the brain, the team said. —Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025

They have also been detected in human livers, kidneys, placentas, and testes. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 4 Feb. 2025

Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage DNA and cellular function and lead to cell death throughout the body, including the testes and sperm. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 4 Mar. 2025

Primary hypogonadism occurs when the testes or ovaries do not function properly, and secondary hypogonadism occurs when the hypothalamus or pituitary gland does not work properly. —James Myhre & Dennis Sifris, Md, Verywell Health, 27 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin, witness, testis

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for testis

• asbestos
• hephaestus

Kids Definition

testis

noun

tes·​tis ˈtes-təs 

plural testes ˈtes-ˌtēz 

: an oval-shaped male reproductive gland that produces sperm and secretes testosterone and that in most mammals is contained within the scrotum

Medical Definition

testis

noun

tes·​tis ˈtes-təs 

plural testes ˈtes-ˌtēz 

: a typically paired male reproductive gland that usually consists largely of seminiferous tubules from the epithelium of which spermatozoa develop, that contains androgen-secreting Leydig cells in the interstitial tissue, that corresponds to the ovary of the female and in craniate vertebrates develops from the genital ridges of the embryo, and that in most mammals descends into the scrotum before the attainment of sexual maturity and in many cases before birth