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

An episiotomy, in which the perineum is cut with scissors, often results in more severe tearing and damage. —Carson Meyer, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025

It's been studied for diabetic foot ulcers, surgical incisions to the perineum during childbirth (episiotomies), and abscesses.5 Manuka honey is your best bet for wound care. —Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 23 May 2025

Its vitamin E formulation absorbs into skin without any residue and is delicate on breasts, belly, and even your perineum. —Pamela Brill, Parents, 22 May 2025

The pair then turned their conversation to the absurdity of some of the side effects of modern drugs, like an inflamed perineum. —EW.com, 25 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for perineum

• asplenium
• delphinium
• proscenium
• ruthenium
• selenium
• vaccinium
• rhenium

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