perineum

noun per·i·ne·um \ ˌper-ə-ˈnē-əm \

Updated on: 26 Apr 2018

Definition of perineum

plural -nea play \ˌper-ə-ˈnē-ə\

: an area between the thighs that marks the approximate lower boundary of the pelvis and is occupied by the urinary and genital ducts and rectum; also : the area between the anus and the posterior part of the external genitalia

—

perineal

play \ˌper-ə-ˈnē-əl\ adjective

Recent Examples of perineum from the Web

Like so many others, my dreams of cycling glory were popped by a perineum.

— nate dern, Outside Online, "Tricking Your Partner into Liking Outdoor Activities," 26 Mar. 2018
Another teacher demands a student come up to the front of the room and point out, on her body, where her perineum is.

— margaret lyons, New York Times, "Review: ‘A.P. Bio’ Is Not Advanced in Timing or Taste," 31 Jan. 2018
Eva Echeverria, 63, had reportedly been using Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder on her perineum for decades.

— brigit katz, Smithsonian, "Woman Wins $417 Million in Lawsuit Tying Baby Powder to Ovarian Cancer," 24 Aug. 2017
This is that Caesarean section stops infants picking up, from their mother’s vaginas and perineums, bacteria that would normally establish themselves in a newborn’s gut, and by doing so improve its future health.

— The Economist, "Better childbirthMore evidence for a link between Caesarean sections and obesity," 11 Oct. 2017
Eva Echeverria, 63, had reportedly been using Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder on her perineum for decades.

— brigit katz, Smithsonian, "Woman Wins $417 Million in Lawsuit Tying Baby Powder to Ovarian Cancer," 24 Aug. 2017
Many women sprinkle baby powder on their inner thighs to prevent chafing, or use it on their perineum, sanitary pads or underwear for its drying and freshening effects.

— roni caryn rabin, New York Times, "$417 Million Awarded in Suit Tying Johnson’s Baby Powder to Cancer," 22 Aug. 2017
Even your anatomy can play a role in vaginal yeast infections: Women with a short perineum — the area between your vagina and anus — are more susceptible.

— Philly.com, "Q&A: How to prevent chronic vaginal yeast infections," 23 July 2017
Prolonged pressure to the perineum, or groin area, can be painful and cause loss of feeling in the area.

— healthday, chicagotribune.com, "New study says cyclists shouldn't worry about sexual dysfunction," 17 May 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of perineum

Middle English, from Late Latin perinaion, from Greek, from peri- + inan to empty out; perhaps akin to Sanskrit iṣṇāti he sets in motion

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

perineum

noun per·i·ne·um

variants: also perinaeum play \ˌper-ə-ˈnē-əm\

medical Definition of perineum

plural -nea also perinaea play \-ˈnē-ə\

: an area of tissue that marks externally the approximate boundary of the pelvic outlet and gives passage to the urogenital ducts and rectum; also : the area between the anus and the posterior part of the external genitalia especially in the female

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perineum

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perineum

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