plural testes
ˈte-ˌstēz 
: 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
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Testis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/testis. Accessed 28 May. 2025.
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Medical Definition
testis
noun
tes·tis
ˈtes-təs
plural testes
ˈtes-ˌtēz
: 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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