onanism

noun
onan·​ism | \ ˈō-nə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce onanism (audio) \

Definition of onanism

3 : self-gratification the kind of intellectual onanism to which he was dedicated— Esther P. Shiverick

Other Words from onanism

onanistic \ ˌō-​nə-​ˈni-​stik How to pronounce onanistic (audio) \ adjective

First Known Use of onanism

1718, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for onanism

probably from New Latin onanismus, from Onan, son of Judah (Genesis 38:9)

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The first known use of onanism was in 1718

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Cite this Entry

“Onanism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/onanism. Accessed 27 Dec. 2020.

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onanism

noun
onan·​ism | \ ˈō-nə-ˌniz-əm How to pronounce onanism (audio) \

Medical Definition of onanism

Other Words from onanism

onanistic \ ˌō-​nə-​ˈnis-​tik How to pronounce onanistic (audio) \ adjective

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