Hymen: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ธ
hymen
[ หhaษชmษn ]
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.
Translations
Translations of the word "hymen" in other languages:
๐ต๐น hรญmene
๐ฎ๐ณ เคนเคพเคเคฎเฅเคจ
๐ฉ๐ช Jungfernhรคutchen
๐ฎ๐ฉ himen
๐บ๐ฆ ะณัะผะตะฝ
๐ต๐ฑ bลona dziewicza
๐ฏ๐ต ๅฆๅฅณ่
๐ซ๐ท hymen
๐ช๐ธ himen
๐น๐ท himem
๐ฐ๐ท ์ฒ๋ ๋ง
๐ธ๐ฆ ุบุดุงุก ุงูุจูุงุฑุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ hymen
๐ธ๐ฐ hymen
๐จ๐ณ ๅคๅฅณ่
๐ธ๐ฎ himen
๐ฎ๐ธ hymen
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะณะธะผะตะฝ
๐ฌ๐ช แฐแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ himษn
๐ฒ๐ฝ himen
Etymology
The word 'hymen' originates from the Greek word 'hymen,' meaning 'membrane.' In ancient Greek culture, it was associated with the god of marriage, Hymenaios, who was believed to bring joy and blessings to newlyweds. Over time, the word continued to evolve in various languages, often retaining its reference to a membrane associated with female anatomy. In medieval literature, it became entwined with notions of purity and virginity, reinforcing the cultural significance placed on the hymen in relation to sexual morality. The modern understanding of the hymen acknowledges its anatomical function and variability, moving away from outdated beliefs about its role as an indicator of virginity.