testis

[ tes-tis ]

noun

, Anatomy, Zoology.

, plural tes·tes [tes, -teez].

1. the male gonad or reproductive gland, either of the two oval glands located in the scrotum, commonly referred to as a testicle. Compare ovary ( def 1 ).

testis

/ ˈtɛstɪs /

noun

1. another word for testicle

testis

/ tĕs′tĭs /

, Plural testes tĕs′tēz

1. The primary reproductive organ of male animals, in which sperm and the male sex hormones (androgens) are produced. In most vertebrates, the testes are contained inside the body. In many mammals, however, the testes are enclosed in an external scrotum.

Word History and Origins

Origin of testis¹

First recorded 1675–85; from Latin: “witness, spectator, testicle”; the sense “male gonad” is a loan translation from Greek parastátēs “bystander, supporter (at law),” in medical usage (in the dual and plural) “the (pair of) glands lying side by side, the testicles” (equivalent to para- para- ¹( def ) + the combining form -statēs, from histánai “to make stand.”) Compare Greek prostátēs “one who stands in front, ruler,” in medical usage “the gland lying in front, the prostate ( def ) ”

Word History and Origins

Origin of testis¹

C17: from Latin, literally: witness (to masculinity)

Example Sentences

Previous research has shown that STK33 is enriched in the testis and is specifically required for the formation of functional sperm.

From Science Daily

Over the past couple of decades researchers have found that long-distance signaling goes beyond a few glands and organs—the pancreas, thyroid, testes, and ovaries—that spill out familiar hormones such as insulin and testosterone.

From Science Magazine

Researchers found high levels of microplastics in human and dog testes.

From Los Angeles Times

They found that in male mice dysbiosis affects the physiology of the testes, as well as metabolite composition and hormonal signalling.

From Science Daily

The conditions include the removal of breasts for transgender men, the removal of the penis and testes for transgender women, and having undergone continuous hormonal treatment for at least two years before applying.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• family jewels
• testicles