How Do You Spell INFIBULATION?

Pronunciation: [ɪnfˌɪbjʊlˈe͡ɪʃən] (IPA)

Infibulation (/ɪn.fɪ.bjuː.leɪ.ʃən/) is a term that refers to a controversial practice of female genital mutilation. The spelling of this word can be confusing as it contains several uncommon combinations of letters. The "inf-" prefix is followed by the "i" and "b" which may appear redundant but are used to differentiate it from "infula", a type of liturgical vestment. The word ends with "-ation", which is a common suffix used for forming nouns from verbs.

INFIBULATION Meaning and Definition

1. Infibulation is a term that refers to a traditional cultural practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), often carried out in certain parts of Africa and the Middle East. It involves the alteration or removal of a woman's external genitalia and the subsequent narrowing of the vaginal opening by stitching or other means.

   This practice is typically performed on young girls, often before puberty, and can result in severe physical and psychological consequences. Infibulation is considered the most extreme form of FGM and is marked by the total closure of the vaginal opening, with just a small hole left for urine and menstrual flow.

   The primary purpose of infibulation, according to proponents, is to control a woman's sexuality and ensure her chastity, thus enhancing her social status and eligibility for marriage in certain communities. The practice, however, is widely condemned by international human rights organizations and medical professionals due to its severe health risks and violation of basic human rights.

   Infibulation can lead to a range of short-term and long-term health complications, including severe pain, infection, urinary problems, complications during childbirth, and psychological trauma. Efforts to eradicate this harmful practice have been made globally through education, legislation, and public awareness campaigns, with the aim of protecting the rights and well-being of girls and women.

2. Stitching together the lips of the vulva or of the prepuce in order to prevent copulation.

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

Common Misspellings for INFIBULATION

• unfibulation
• jnfibulation
• knfibulation
• onfibulation
• 9nfibulation
• 8nfibulation
• ibfibulation
• imfibulation
• ijfibulation
• ihfibulation
• indibulation
• incibulation
• invibulation
• ingibulation
• intibulation
• inribulation
• infubulation
• infjbulation
• infkbulation

Etymology of INFIBULATION

The word "infibulation" originated from the Latin term "infibulare" which means "to fasten with a clasp". This Latin word is derived from the prefix "in-" meaning "in" or "on", and "fibula" referring to a clasp or pin used to fasten clothing. The term "infibulare" was primarily used in medical contexts to describe a surgical procedure of closing or narrowing an opening, and it later evolved to specifically denote the practice of female genital mutilation.

Idioms with the word INFIBULATION

• infibulation

Plural form of INFIBULATION is INFIBULATIONS