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

“Why must she be touted as some magic hymen savior of all mankind?”

From Salon

No one told me the vulva has two holes or explained what a hymen is.

From Salon

A virginity test is an illegal procedure which involves the inspection of the hymen in the vagina, intended to determine whether a woman or girl is a virgin.

From BBC

Let's go in on the story about your hymen.

From Salon

It will describe the status of her hymen, and include the statement: "This girl appears to be a virgin."

From BBC