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onanism

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noun onan·ism \ ˈō-nə-ˌni-zəm \

Definition of onanism

1 :masturbation
2 :coitus interruptus
3 :self-gratification
  • the kind of intellectual onanism to which he was dedicated
  • —Esther P. Shiverick
—

onanistic

play \ˌō-nə-ˈni-stik\ adjective

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Origin and Etymology of onanism

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

Medical Dictionary

onanism

play
noun onan·ism \ ˈō-nə-ˌniz-əm \

medical Definition of onanism

1 :masturbation
2 :coitus interruptus
—

onanistic

play \ˌō-nə-ˈnis-tik\ adjective

Biographical Note for onanism

  • Onan play \ˈō-nən\ Biblical character. In the Book of Genesis Onan was commanded by his father to impregnate the widow of his slain brother and to raise the offspring of the union. In order to avoid raising descendants for his late brother, however, Onan engaged in coitus interruptus.

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