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Wombs: meaning, definitions and examples

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wombs

 

[ wʊmz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

female anatomy

Wombs are the reproductive organs in female mammals where offspring are conceived and develop until birth. The term also refers to these organs in a broader biological context, covering various species beyond humans.

Synonyms

belly, matrix, uterus

Examples of usage

  • The doctor explained the importance of checking the health of your womb regularly.
  • During pregnancy, the fetus develops in the womb.
  • Issues like fibroids can affect the health of the womb.
  • The womb plays a vital role in the reproductive cycle.

Etymology

The word 'womb' comes from the Old English word 'womb', which likely originates from the Proto-Germanic '*wumbō', meaning 'belly' or 'stomach'. This term can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root '*gʷem-', meaning 'to consume' or 'to bring forth', which highlights the womb's role in gestation and birth. The evolution of the word reflects its significance in human reproduction, with various cognates appearing in other languages. For instance, in Latin, 'uterus' is used to denote the same organ, revealing a connection between ancient cultures and their understanding of female anatomy. Throughout history, the concept of the womb has been central to discussions of fertility, motherhood, and female identity.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,461 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.