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

Most importantly, mice and men with these mutations have no other defects and even have normal testis size.

From Science Daily

"We were pleased to see that the mice did not show signs of toxicity from CDD-2807 treatment, that the compound did not accumulate in the brain, and that the treatment did not alter testis size, similar to the Stk33 knockout mice and the men with the STK33 mutation," Sutton said.

From Science Daily

"In humans, differently from other animal species and lower mammalians, testis are located outside of the abdomen. This contributes to the maintenance of an organ temperature 2º to 4° C below core body temperature."

From Salon

By employing advanced sequencing techniques, the researchers identified significant differences in DNA methylation across thousands of regions in both the brain and testis of the affected frogs.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• family jewels
• testicles