perineal
|per-i-ni-al|
🇺🇸
/ˌpɛrɪˈniəl/
🇬🇧
/ˌpɛrɪˈniːəl/
around the perineum
Etymology
'perineal' originates from Modern Latin 'perinealis', ultimately from New Latin 'perineum', where the prefix 'peri-' meant 'around' and the root referred to the perineum (the area between the anus and external genitalia).
'perineal' entered English via medical/Neo-Latin usage (Late Latin/New Latin 'perinealis' from 'perineum'), maintaining its anatomical sense when adopted into English usage.
Initially it meant 'of or relating to the perineum', and this anatomical meaning has remained essentially unchanged into modern English.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
(rare) A perineal structure or tissue; sometimes used to refer to a perineal muscle or area.
The surgeon inspected the perineal for signs of trauma.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
relating to the perineum (the area between the anus and the external genitalia).
The patient reported perineal pain after delivery.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/24 09:14