noun
hymen
HEYE-muhn
noun
1
A thin membrane that partly covers the opening of the vagina.
"The doctor explained that the hymen varies naturally in shape and thickness from person to person."
How to Use Hymen
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA membrane at the vaginal opening; its condition is not a reliable indicator of virginity, contrary to a common myth.
Common mistake
A common misconception is that an intact hymen proves virginity — medically, this is not true, as the membrane can stretch or tear from many non-sexual activities.
Word Forms
hymens plural
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The doctor explained that the _____ varies naturally in shape and thickness from person to person.
Etymology
From Greek humen, meaning "skin" or "membrane," via Late Latin and Middle French.