hymen
/ˈhʌɪmən
/noun
A membrane which partially closes the opening of the vagina and whose presence is traditionally taken to be a mark of virginity.A thin sheet of tissue with 1 or more holes in it called the hymen partially covers the opening of the vagina....
- Girls frequently have a membrane called the hymen around the vaginal opening.
- Women have a membrane called the hymen that partially covers the entrance to the vagina.
Derivatives
hymenal
/ adjective ...- The running suture is carried to the hymenal ring and tied proximal to the ring, completing closure of the vaginal mucosa and rectovaginal fascia.
- The most common hymenal configurations are crescentic, annular, cuff-like, septate and fimbriated.
- A vertical incision is made in the vestibule over the center of the cyst and outside the hymenal ring.
Origin
Mid 16th century: via late Latin from Greek humēn 'membrane'.