Menstruate: meaning, definitions and examples

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menstruate

[ mɛnˈstruːeɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

medical term

To menstruate means to undergo the monthly process of shedding the uterine lining, which involves the discharge of blood and mucosal tissue from the inner lining of the uterus through the vagina. This biological process typically occurs in females of reproductive age and is part of the menstrual cycle. Menstruation usually lasts from three to seven days and generally begins around puberty and continues until menopause. The cycle is regulated by hormonal changes in the body, particularly involving estrogen and progesterone.

Synonyms

bleed, have a period.

Examples of usage

  • Many women menstruate every month.
  • She began to menstruate at age twelve.
  • Some women experience discomfort when they menstruate.
  • It's normal to feel changes in your body as you menstruate.

Translations

Translations of the word "menstruate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 menstruar

🇮🇳 मासिक धर्म होना

🇩🇪 menstruieren

🇮🇩 bermenstruasi

🇺🇦 менструювати

🇵🇱 menstruować

🇯🇵 月経する

🇫🇷 menstruer

🇪🇸 menstruar

🇹🇷 adet görmek

🇰🇷 월경하다

🇸🇦 الحيض

🇨🇿 menstruovat

🇸🇰 menstruovať

🇨🇳 月经

🇸🇮 menstruirati

🇮🇸 mánaðartíð

🇰🇿 менструация

🇬🇪 მენსტრუაცია

🇦🇿 menstruasiya

🇲🇽 menstruar

Etymology

The word 'menstruate' originates from the Latin term 'menstruus', which means 'monthly'. This term is derived from 'mensis', meaning 'month', and is related to the cycle that occurs on a monthly basis in females. The English adaptation of the word reflects the biological and cyclical nature of the process. Historically, menstruation has been a topic of both medical study and cultural significance, with varying perceptions and beliefs across different societies. In ancient cultures, menstruation was often associated with femininity and fertility, and rituals were sometimes performed to honor or manage this natural phenomenon. With advancements in medical understanding and societal changes, menstruation is now viewed mainly as a biological process, though it still carries various cultural implications.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,291, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.