hymen
Hymen (noun) means a thin membrane that partly covers the opening of the vagina. Example: “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.
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
- Plural
- hymens
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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.
