perineum

play

noun per·i·ne·um \ ˌper-ə-ˈnē-əm \

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

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

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

Learn More about perineum

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about perineum

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up perineum? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

perineum

Definition of perineum

perineal

Recent Examples of perineum from the Web

Origin and Etymology of perineum

Medical Dictionary

perineum

medical Definition of perineum

Learn More about perineum

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

shofar

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

The Ambiguity of Pushing 'Up' and 'Back'

Silent Letters

'So Long': A Common But Mysterious Goodbye

"Immune to" or "Immune from"?

Ask the Editors

Words of the Year: 1066

How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Irregardless

Weird Plurals

Word Games

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

Name That Thing

Bee Cubed

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

The Ambiguity of Pushing 'Up' and 'Back'

Trending: Ivanka: "An 'Otherwise' Incredible Day"

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes

Words of the Year: 1066

perineum

Definition of perineum

perineal

Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd

Recent Examples of perineum from the Web

Origin and Etymology of perineum

Medical Dictionary

perineum

medical Definition of perineum

Learn More about perineum

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

The Ambiguity of Pushing 'Up' and 'Back'

Trending: Ivanka: "An 'Otherwise' Incredible Day"

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes

Words of the Year: 1066