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erection

noun erec·tion \ i-ˈrek-shən \
|Updated on: 7 Jun 2018

Definition of erection

1 a : the state marked by firm turgid form and erect or elevated position of a previously flaccid bodily part containing cavernous tissue when that tissue becomes dilated with blood
b : an occurrence of such a state in the penis or clitoris
2 : the act or process of erecting something : construction
3 : something erected

See erection defined for English-language learners

See erection defined for kids

Examples of erection in a Sentence

  1. the erection of a new apartment building

  2. when it was brand-new, the Eiffel Tower was considered as ugly an erection as Europe had ever seen

Recent Examples of erection from the Web

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

First Known Use of erection

15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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erection Synonyms

Synonyms

construction, structure;

Related Words

arrangement, assembly;

configuration, frame, framework, shell, skeleton;

ERECTION Defined for English Language Learners

erection

noun

Definition of erection for English Language Learners

  • : the state in which a body part (such as the penis) becomes firm and swollen because of sexual excitement; also : the penis when it is in such a state

  • : the act or process of building or erecting something

Medical Dictionary

erection

noun erec·tion \ i-ˈrek-shən \

medical Definition of erection

1 : the state marked by firm turgid form and erect or elevated position of a previously flaccid bodily part containing cavernous tissue when that tissue becomes dilated with blood
2 : an occurrence of erection in the penis or clitoris

Learn More about erection

  1. See words that rhyme with erection Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for erection Spanish Central: Translation of erection Nglish: Translation of erection for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of erection for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about erection

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