penis

noun

pe·​nis ˈpē-nəs How to pronounce penis (audio)
plural penises also penes ˈpē-(ˌ)nēz How to pronounce penis (audio)
: a male copulatory and erogenous organ that is typically cylindrical in shape and that in mammals is usually suspended from the pubis, has two large lateral columns of vascular, erectile tissue with a smaller central column of erectile tissue surrounding the urethra through which urine and semen pass, and has a terminal glans sheathed by a foreskin

Note: The penis develops from the same embryonic mass of tissue as the clitoris.

Word History

Etymology

Latin, penis, tail; akin to Old High German faselt penis, Greek peos

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of penis was in 1578

Dictionary Entries Near penis

Cite this Entry

“Penis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/penis. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

penis

noun
pe·​nis ˈpē-nəs How to pronounce penis (audio)
plural penises also penes ˈpē-ˌnēz How to pronounce penis (audio)
: a male organ of copulation containing a channel through which sperm leaves the body that in mammals including human beings also serves to discharge urine from the body
penile
-ˌnīl
adjective

Medical Definition

penis

noun
pe·​nis ˈpē-nəs How to pronounce penis (audio)
plural penes ˈpē-(ˌ)nēz How to pronounce penis (audio) or penises
: a male copulatory and erogenous organ that is typically cylindrical in shape and that in mammals is usually suspended from the pubic arch, has two large lateral corpora cavernosa and a smaller central corpus spongiosum surrounding the urethra through which urine and semen pass, and has a terminal glans enclosing the ends of the corpora cavernosa sheathed by a foreskin

Note: The penis develops from the same embryonic mass of tissue as the clitoris.

More from Merriam-Webster on penis

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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