perineum

[ per-uh-nee-uhm ]

noun

, Anatomy.

, plural per·i·ne·a [per-, uh, -, nee, -, uh].

1. the area in front of the anus extending to the fourchette of the vulva in the female and to the scrotum in the male.
2. the diamond-shaped area corresponding to the outlet of the pelvis, containing the anus and vulva or the roots of the penis.

perineum

/ ˌpɛrɪˈniːəm /

noun

1. the region of the body between the anus and the genital organs, including some of the underlying structures
2. the nearly diamond-shaped surface of the human trunk between the thighs

perineum

/ pĕr′ə-nē′əm /

, Plural perinea

1. The region between the scrotum and the anus in males, and between the posterior vulva and the anus in females.

Derived Forms

• ˌperiˈneal, adjective

Other Words From

• per·i·ne·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of perineum¹

First recorded in 1625–35; from New Latin, from Greek períneon, períneos, perínaios, apparently equivalent to per(i)- peri- + ine-, ina-, stems of ineîn, inân to “evacuate, empty” + -(i)os, -(i)on noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of perineum¹

C17: from New Latin, from Greek perinaion, from peri- + inein to empty out

Example Sentences

I pointed out before that breeches which pressed on the perineum sometimes led to the practice of masturbation.

From Project Gutenberg

Sometimes it is necessary to support the perineum for hours, and to bestow constant attention the whole time.

From Project Gutenberg

It is necessary therefore to support the perineum, as it is termed, to prevent this accident.

From Project Gutenberg

This is particularly the case with the perineum, against which the head presses with great force.

From Project Gutenberg

Frequently bathing the thighs and perineum with cold water will be sufficient.

From Project Gutenberg