HYMENAL Meaning and
Definition
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Hymenal is an adjective used to describe something related to the hymen, which is a thin membrane that partially covers the opening of the vagina in females. The term comes from the Greek word "hymen," meaning "membrane."
In its anatomical sense, hymenal refers to the hymen itself or any characteristic associated with it, such as its structure, location, or appearance. The hymen can vary greatly in shape, size, and thickness among individuals. Some hymens may be thin and flexible, while others might be thick and rigid, or even have multiple openings instead of a single one. Hymenal tissue is typically composed of folds or ridges that are ruptured or stretched during sexual intercourse or other activities that put pressure on the vaginal opening.
Outside of its anatomical context, the term hymenal can also have broader figurative or metaphorical uses. For instance, the adjective can be employed to suggest something is symbolic of or associated with virginity, purity, or sexual innocence, due to the traditional belief that an intact hymen signifies a woman's virginity. In these cases, the term is often used in discussions related to cultural and societal norms, gender, sexuality, and sexual initiation.
It is essential to note that the concept and significance of the hymen have evolved over time, and contemporary discussions surrounding hymenal health and its relationship with virginity are often subject to a wide range of perspectives and debates.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HYMENAL
- gymenal
- bymenal
- nymenal
- jymenal
- uymenal
- yymenal
- htmenal
- hgmenal
- hhmenal
- humenal
- h7menal
- h6menal
- hynenal
- hykenal
- hyjenal
- hymwnal
- hymsnal
- hymdnal
- hymrnal
Etymology of HYMENAL
The word "hymenal" is an adjective derived from the noun "hymen". Both words have their origins in the Greek language.
The noun "hymen" (ὑμήν in Greek) refers to the thin membrane that partially covers the vaginal opening in some females at birth. It was named after Hymenaios, the Greek god of marriage ceremonies and weddings.
The adjective "hymenal" is formed by adding the suffix "-al" to "hymen". This suffix is common in English to form adjectives from nouns, indicating "relating to" or "pertaining to". So, "hymenal" simply means "relating to the hymen" or "pertaining to the membrane".
Similar spelling words for HYMENAL
- hymeneal,
- hymeneals,
- hymenial,
- humanely,
- in-humanely,
- hominal,
- hymnally,
- hymeneally,
- hymenaeal,
- humanly,
- in-humanly,
- hymnal.
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