penis
|pe-nis|
B2
/ˈpiːnɪs/
male external reproductive organ
Etymology
Etymology Information
'penis' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'penis', where 'penis' meant 'tail' or an external appendage.
Historical Evolution
'penis' passed into English via New Latin/medical Latin usage (modern scientific and medical Latin), retaining the form 'penis' and becoming the term used in anatomical vocabulary.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'tail' or external appendage in Latin, but over time it evolved to mean specifically the male reproductive organ in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the male external reproductive organ in humans and many animals; involved in sexual intercourse and the excretion of urine.
The doctor examined the patient's penis.
Synonyms
Antonyms
vagina
Last updated: 2026/01/15 15:42