smegma

[ smeg-muh ]

noun

1. a thick, cheeselike, sebaceous secretion that collects beneath the foreskin or around the clitoris.

smegma

/ ˈsmɛɡmə /

noun

1. physiol a whitish sebaceous secretion that accumulates beneath the prepuce

Word History and Origins

Origin of smegma¹

First recorded in 1810–20; from Latin, from Greek smêgma “unguent, soap, cleansing medicine”

Word History and Origins

Origin of smegma¹

C19: via Latin from Greek smēgma detergent, from smekhein to wash

Example Sentences

Of these, the smegma bacillus is the only one likely ever to cause confusion.

From Project Gutenberg