testis

noun

tes·​tis ˈte-stəs How to pronounce testis (audio)
plural testes ˈte-ˌstēz How to pronounce testis (audio)
: a typically paired male reproductive gland that produces sperm and secretes testosterone and that in most mammals is contained within the scrotum at sexual maturity

Examples of testis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Historically, doctors have removed the testes—the main source of the hormone—but today, pills and injections can suppress testosterone not just in the testes but in other organs that produce small amounts, such as the adrenal glands, as well. Alice Park, Time, 19 May 2025 Research has connected phthalates with reproductive problems, such as genital malformations and undescended testes in baby boys and lower sperm counts and testosterone levels in adult males. Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2025 These particles have been found in various bodily organs—including the brain, kidney, liver, placenta and testes—with scientists estimating that humans may consume as many as tens of thousands of microplastic pieces each year. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025 Those with two X chromosomes and ovaries lived longest, followed by mice with two X chromosomes and testes. Mohana Ravindranath, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for testis

Word History

Etymology

Latin, witness, testis

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of testis was in 1650

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Cite this Entry

“Testis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/testis. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

testis

noun
tes·​tis ˈtes-təs How to pronounce testis (audio)
plural testes ˈtes-ˌtēz How to pronounce testis (audio)
: an oval-shaped male reproductive gland that produces sperm and secretes testosterone and that in most mammals is contained within the scrotum

Medical Definition

testis

noun
tes·​tis ˈtes-təs How to pronounce testis (audio)
plural testes ˈtes-ˌtēz How to pronounce testis (audio)
: a typically paired male reproductive gland that usually consists largely of seminiferous tubules from the epithelium of which spermatozoa develop, that contains androgen-secreting Leydig cells in the interstitial tissue, that corresponds to the ovary of the female and in craniate vertebrates develops from the genital ridges of the embryo, and that in most mammals descends into the scrotum before the attainment of sexual maturity and in many cases before birth

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