perineum

noun

per·​i·​ne·​um ˌper-ə-ˈnē-əm 

plural perinea 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

ˌper-ə-ˈnē-əl 

adjective

Examples of perineum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In contrast, a healthcare provider will numb the perineum to make a cut if needed.2 Here's what happens during an episiotomy:2 Incision: There are two types of cuts—a median or mediolateral incision. —Korin Miller, Health, 15 Sep. 2023

Healthcare providers commonly use median incisions to make a straight cut in the perineum. —Korin Miller, Health, 15 Sep. 2023

Lessens risk of tearing: What's more, Harper and Collins say water causes the perineum to become more relaxed, which can reduce the severity of vaginal tearing. —Bekka Besich, Parents, 3 Sep. 2023

My perineum was normal. —Madeleine Watts, Harper’s Magazine , 25 May 2022

Unfortunately, some people have already found out that perineum sunning can have immediate and uncomfortable effects. —Marci Robin, Allure, 10 Aug. 2022

Biotin deficiency presents with multiple symptoms including brittle nails, thinning hair and a scaly red rash around the eyes, nose, mouth and perineum. —Dr. Michael Daignault, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2022

One company, called Morari, showed off a prototype of a perineum patch that is supposed to help those who struggle with premature ejaculation. —Lauren Goode, Wired, 8 Jan. 2020

Less common were other threats; physical abuse, including refusing anesthesia for an episiotomy (a cut to the perineum to aid with delivery); or sharing private information without women’s consent. —BostonGlobe.com, 14 Sep. 2019

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Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

perineum

noun

per·​i·​ne·​um

variants also perinaeum

ˌper-ə-ˈnē-əm 

plural perinea also perinaea -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