erection

[ ih-rek-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of erecting.
2. the state of being erected.
3. something erected, as a building or other structure.
4. Physiology. a distended and rigid state of an organ or part containing erectile tissue, especially of the penis or the clitoris.

erection

/ ɪˈrɛkʃən /

noun

1. the act of erecting or the state of being erected
2. something that has been erected; a building or construction
3. physiol the enlarged state or condition of erectile tissues or organs, esp the penis, when filled with blood
4. an erect penis

Other Words From

• none·rection noun
• pree·rection noun
• ree·rection noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of erection¹

First recorded in 1495–1505, erection is from the Late Latin word ērēctiōn- (stem of ērēctiō ). See erect, -ion

Example Sentences

The sexual content — of which there is plenty — is rendered with disarming, pantomimic silliness: bananas to suggest erections; party poppers let off to signify the moment of climax.

From New York Times

He publicizes his test results so anyone can see images of his bowels or learn the duration of his nighttime erections.

From New York Times

Female surgeons have been fondled inside their scrubs, had male surgeons wipe their brow on their breasts and had men rubbing erections against them.

From BBC

There is an untold story of women being fondled inside their scrubs, of male surgeons wiping their brow on their breasts and men rubbing erections against female staff.

From BBC

Similarly, men under active surveillance were more likely to retain the ability to have erections, though all three groups reported decreased sexual function with age.

From New York Times

Related Words

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• headstone
• marker
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