hymen

¹

[ hahy-muhn ]

noun

, Anatomy.

1. a fold of mucous membrane partly closing the external orifice of the vagina in a virgin.

Hymen

²

[ hahy-muhn ]

noun

1. the ancient Greek god of marriage.

hymen

¹

/ ˈhaɪmɛn /

noun

1. anatomy a fold of mucous membrane that partly covers the entrance to the vagina and is usually ruptured when sexual intercourse takes place for the first time

Hymen

²

/ ˈhaɪmɛn /

noun

1. the Greek and Roman god of marriage

hymen

/ hī′mən /

1. A mucous membrane that partly closes the opening of the vagina.

hymen

¹

1. A thin fold of mucous membrane that covers all or part of the entrance to the vagina .

Hymen

²

1. The Greek god of the wedding feast.

Notes

An apparently intact hymen is valued in some cultures as proof of virginity in a bride; this “proof,” however, is not accurate. The hymen may appear incomplete in a virgin, and it may appear intact in a woman who has engaged in sexual intercourse.

Derived Forms

• ˈhymenal, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hymen¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from Late Latin hymēn, from Greek hymḗn “skin, membrane”; seam ( def ), sew ¹( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of hymen¹

C17: from Greek: membrane

Example Sentences

We go through the temple of Hymen without noticing, much less appreciating, its beauty.

From Project Gutenberg

Charlotte preserved from destruction by Albert and Hymen, whilst Werter in the excess of frenzy puts an end to his existence.

From Project Gutenberg

You see, Hymen has persuaded Zeus to help him; so that not a single marriage-rite shall be omitted.

From Project Gutenberg

I knew once a lady with a lot of six, nubile, but not attractive, all with a decided bias toward Terpsichore and Hymen.

From Project Gutenberg

Neither his age, nor the doubtful source of his revenue, rendering him an unmarketable commodity in the shambles of Hymen.

From Project Gutenberg