epididymis

noun ep·i·did·y·mis \ ˌe-pə-ˈdi-də-məs \

Definition of epididymis

plural epididymides play \ˌe-pə-ˈdi-də-mə-ˌdēz\

: a system of ductules emerging posteriorly from the testis that holds sperm during maturation and that forms a tangled mass before uniting into a single coiled duct which is continuous with the vas deferens

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epididymal

play \ˌe-pə-ˈdi-də-məl\ adjective

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Recent Examples of epididymis from the Web

Ms Chan therefore concentrated her attentions on part of the male genital tract called the epididymis.

— The Economist, "The generation gameThe ramifications of a new type of gene," 22 Feb. 2018
Very few are actually released into the epididymis.

— kristen jordan shamus, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan State researchers are on the cusp of developing a birth control for men," 11 Oct. 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of epididymis

New Latin, from Greek, from epi- + didymos testicle, twin, from dyo two — more at two

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1610

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

epididymis

noun ep·i·did·y·mis \ ˌep-ə-ˈdid-ə-məs \

medical Definition of epididymis

plural epididymides play \-mə-ˌdēz\

: a system of ductules that emerges posteriorly from the testis, holds sperm during maturation, and forms a tangled mass before uniting into a single coiled duct which comprises the highly convoluted body and tail of the system and is continuous with the vas deferens — see vasa efferentia

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