cryptorchid

noun crypt·or·chid \ krip-ˈtȯr-kəd \

|Updated on: 12 Jun 2018

Definition of cryptorchid

: one affected with cryptorchidism

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cryptorchid

adjective

Recent Examples of cryptorchid from the Web

Neuter procedures will not be performed on cryptorchid dogs – a condition in which one or both testicles have fail to descend.

— erika i. ritchie, Orange County Register, "Vet holding free spay and neuter day," 14 Feb. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cryptorchid.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of cryptorchid

borrowed from the stem of New Latin cryptorchides, plural of cryptorchis (attested later) "having undescended testicles, a person with such a condition," from crypt- crypt- + -orchis, in monorchis monorchid

Note: As with monorchid, the stem of Greek órchis "testicle" was erroneously taken to be orchid-; cf. Greek krýpsorchis "undescended testicles," used by galen.

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First Known Use: 1857

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year