menarche

[ muh-nahr-kee, me- ]

noun

, Physiology.

1. the first menstrual period; the establishment of menstruation.

menarche

/ mɛˈnɑːkɪ /

noun

1. the first occurrence of menstruation in a woman's life

menarche

/ mə-när′kē /

1. The first menstrual period.

Derived Forms

• menˈarcheal, adjective

Other Words From

• men·arche·al men·archi·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of menarche¹

1895–1900; men- + archḗ beginning

Word History and Origins

Origin of menarche¹

C20: New Latin, from Greek mēn month + arkhē beginning