clitoris

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English [edit]

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Wikipedia

Etymology [edit]

From Ancient Greek κλειτορίς (kleitoris), a diminutive of uncertain origin, probably from κλείω (kleiō, I sheathe, shut), in reference to its being covered by the labia minora.

The related noun form κλείς (kleis) has a second meaning of "a key, a latch or hook (to close a door)." Wooden pegs were the original keys; a connection also revealed in Latin clavis (nail) and claudere (to shut) (see close). Some medical sources give a supposed Greek verb κλειτοριάζω (kleitoriazō, touch or titillate lasciviously, tickle) literally "to be inclined (toward pleasure)" (compare German Kitzler (clitoris), literally "tickler"), related to Greek κλειτύς (kleitus), a variant of κλιτύς (klitus, hillside), related to κλίνω (klinō, I slope), from the same root as κλῖμαξ (ladder). But many sources take κλειτορίς literally as Ancient Greek "little hill". Compare clit.

Pronunciation [edit]

  • (UK) IPA: /ˈklɪtəɹɪs/
  • (US) IPA: /ˈklɪdəɹɪs/, /klɪˈtɔɹɪs/

Noun [edit]

clitoris (plural clitorises or clitorides)

  1. (anatomy) A sensitive elongated erectile organ at the anterior part of the vulva in female mammals, homologous with the penis.

Synonyms [edit]

See also Wikisaurus:clitoris.

Derived terms [edit]

Translations [edit]


French [edit]

Etymology [edit]

From Ancient Greek κλειτορίς (kleitoris).

Pronunciation [edit]

  • IPA: /kli.tɔ.ʁis/

Noun [edit]

clitoris m (plural clitoris)

  1. clitoris