Hymen: meaning, definitions and examples

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hymen

 

[หˆhaษชmษ™n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

anatomy biology

The hymen is a thin, flexible membrane that partially covers the vaginal opening in some females. It is often considered a symbol of virginity, although it can vary greatly in shape and size from person to person. The hymen can be stretched or torn during various activities, not just sexual intercourse, including physical exercise, tampon use, or medical examinations. While some people may have a more pronounced hymen, others may have little to no hymen at all. Therefore, the presence or absence of a hymen is not a reliable indicator of sexual history.

Synonyms

vaginal membrane, virginal membrane.

Examples of usage

  • The hymen may stretch during menstruation.
  • Surgical procedures can alter the hymen.
  • Understanding the hymen is important in sexual education.

Interesting Facts

Anatomy

  • The hymen can vary greatly from person to person; some may have a thick hymen, while others have a very thin one.
  • It is often mistakenly believed that the hymen must break for a girl to lose her virginity, but this is not always true, as many people have different experiences.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, the state of the hymen is sometimes linked to societal ideas about purity and virginity, often leading to misunderstandings.
  • Some traditions have rituals focused on the hymen as a symbol of virginity, reflecting cultural attitudes toward women's sexuality.

Medical Insights

  • Medical professionals understand that the hymen can stretch from activities like exercise, tampon use, and sexual intercourse, and does not solely indicate sexual activity.
  • Certain conditions can affect the hymen, such as an imperforate hymen, where it completely covers the vaginal opening, leading to medical interventions.

Psychology

  • Discussions surrounding the hymen can evoke strong emotions and societal pressures, particularly around concepts of identity and femininity.
  • The focus on the hymen often highlights the gap between medical realities and social beliefs, influencing how individuals perceive their bodies.

Literature and Media

  • The hymen has been depicted in various literary works as a metaphor for innocence or purity, often reflecting societal views on women's rights.
  • Movies and television shows sometimes dramatize the hymen, perpetuating myths that can lead to varying public perceptions of female sexuality.

Translations

Translations of the word "hymen" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น hรญmene

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคนเคพเค‡เคฎเฅ‡เคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Jungfernhรคutchen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ himen

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะณั–ะผะตะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ bล‚ona dziewicza

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅ‡ฆๅฅณ่†œ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท hymen

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ himen

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท himem

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ฒ˜๋…€๋ง‰

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุบุดุงุก ุงู„ุจูƒุงุฑุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hymen

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ hymen

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅค„ๅฅณ่†œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ himen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hymen

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะณะธะผะตะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฐแƒ˜แƒ›แƒ”แƒœแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ himษ™n

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ himen

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,933, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.