phallus

[ fal-uhs ]

noun

, plural phal·li [fal, -ahy], phal·lus·es.

1. an image of the male reproductive organ, especially that carried in procession in ancient festivals of Dionysus, or Bacchus, symbolizing the generative power in nature.
2. Anatomy. the penis, the clitoris, or the sexually undifferentiated embryonic organ out of which either of these develops.

phallus

/ ˈfæləs /

noun

1. another word for penis
2. an image of the penis, esp as a religious symbol of reproductive power

Word History and Origins

Origin of phallus¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from Latin, from Greek phallós “penis”; bull ¹( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of phallus¹

C17: via Late Latin from Greek phallos