testis

noun

tes·​tis ˈte-stəs 

plural testes ˈte-ˌstēz 

: a typically paired male reproductive gland that produces sperm and secretes testosterone and that in most mammals is contained within the scrotum at sexual maturity

Examples of testis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

If low testosterone is confirmed, doctors may order additional blood tests to determine the underlying cause, including luteinizing hormone (LH), which helps distinguish whether the problem originates in the testes, pituitary or hypothalamus. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026

Testosterone is a hormone present in both males and females, produced by the male testes and the female ovaries and adrenal glands. — Nina Shapiro, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026

Testosterone was first approved in the 1950s to treat hypogonadism, a condition defined by low testosterone levels caused by medical problems affecting the testes or other organs. — Matthew Perrone, Fortune, 16 July 2026

Hormonal imbalances are a key cause, particularly when testosterone levels are low or when communication between the brain and the testes is disrupted. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 2 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin, witness, testis

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for testis

• pestis
• asbestos
• hephaestus

Kids Definition

testis

noun

tes·​tis ˈtes-təs 

plural testes ˈtes-ˌtēz 

: an oval-shaped male reproductive gland that produces sperm and secretes testosterone and that in most mammals is contained within the scrotum

Medical Definition

testis

noun

tes·​tis ˈtes-təs 

plural testes ˈtes-ˌtēz 

: a typically paired male reproductive gland that usually consists largely of seminiferous tubules from the epithelium of which spermatozoa develop, that contains androgen-secreting Leydig cells in the interstitial tissue, that corresponds to the ovary of the female and in craniate vertebrates develops from the genital ridges of the embryo, and that in most mammals descends into the scrotum before the attainment of sexual maturity and in many cases before birth