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epididymis

noun
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ep·​i·​did·​y·​mis | \ ˌe-pə-ˈdi-də-məs How to pronounce epididymis (audio) \
plural epididymides\ ˌe-​pə-​ˈdi-​də-​mə-​ˌdēz How to pronounce epididymides (audio) \

Definition of epididymis

: 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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Other Words from epididymis

epididymal \ ˌe-​pə-​ˈdi-​də-​məl How to pronounce epididymal (audio) \ adjective

Examples of epididymis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In most cases, surgery can be performed to either reverse these blockages or to retrieve sperm directly from the epididymis and testicles. — Jennifer Gerson, Marie Claire, "Can Men Cause Fertility Issues?," 1 Oct. 2018 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.

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First Known Use of epididymis

1610, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for epididymis

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

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Time Traveler for epididymis

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The first known use of epididymis was in 1610

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Cite this Entry

“Epididymis.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epididymis. Accessed 29 January 2020.

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More Definitions for epididymis

epididymis

noun
ep·​i·​did·​y·​mis | \ ˌep-ə-ˈdid-ə-məs How to pronounce epididymis (audio) \
plural epididymides\ -​mə-​ˌdēz How to pronounce epididymides (audio) \

Medical Definition of epididymis

: 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

Other Words from epididymis

epididymal \ -​məl How to pronounce epididymal (audio) \ adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on epididymis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about epididymis

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