How Do You Spell EUNUCH?

Pronunciation: [jˈuːnʌt͡ʃ] (IPA)

The word "eunuch" is a tricky one to spell. It refers to a male who has been castrated, typically to serve in a royal or religious capacity. The word is spelled with a "eu" sound at the beginning, which can be confusing to some. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled /ˈjuːnək/, with the symbols representing the sounds "yoo" for the first syllable and the "uh" sound in the second syllable. Remembering this phonetic transcription can help ensure proper spelling of the word.

Meaning and Definition
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Etymology
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EUNUCH Meaning and Definition

  1. A eunuch refers to a person, typically a male, who has been castrated or has had their testicles removed, either partially or entirely. Historically, eunuchs were often employed in various roles in royal courts, harems, or religious institutions, primarily due to their inability to father children and the perception that they would be less likely to pursue sexual relationships.

    Castration was often performed to ensure the loyalty and purity of eunuchs, as it eliminated sexual desires and reduced the risk of improper relationships within highly regimented or sensitive environments. Eunuchs served in various capacities such as imperial guards, attendants, messengers, or as overseers of harem sections where the presence of non-castrated males was prohibited.

    Beyond their castration, eunuchs can be distinguished by their altered physical characteristics, such as the absence of secondary sexual characteristics like facial hair, a high-pitched voice, or a lack of Adam's apple. While eunuchs were often defined by their castration, the term has also been used more broadly to describe individuals who voluntarily abstain from sexual activities or experiences.

    Throughout history, eunuchs have been portrayed differently in various cultures, sometimes being revered for their loyalty and trustworthiness, while at other times stigmatized or condemned. In contemporary times, the term might also be employed metaphorically to describe individuals who hold positions of power but lack essential qualities or attributes.

  2. One whose testicles have been removed.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. A castrated man; in the East, a man who has the charge of the women's apartments; a chamberlain.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for EUNUCH *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for EUNUCH

Etymology of EUNUCH

The word "eunuch" originated from the Greek word "eunoukhos", which can be broken down into two parts: "eu" meaning "vou" (good) and "nous" (mind). The term was formed by combining "eu" with "nouchē" (vigor), indicating a "good vigor" or "strong mentality". In ancient times, eunuchs were often castrated males who served in the households of rulers, and this term was used to describe them. Over time, the word "eunuch" entered the English language through Latin and has retained its meaning until today.

Similar spelling words for EUNUCH

Plural form of EUNUCH is EUNUCHS

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