noun
phimosis
fy-MOH-sis
Phimosis (noun) means a medical condition in which the foreskin is too tight to be pulled back. Example: “The doctor examined the boy and explained what phimosis means.”
noun
1
medical A medical condition in which the foreskin is too tight to be pulled back.
"The doctor examined the boy and explained what phimosis means."
"Phimosis is a topic covered in many medical textbooks."
"The nurse noted phimosis in the patient's chart."
How to use phimosis
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA tight foreskin that cannot be pulled back.
When to use it
It is a medical term, used by doctors and in health writing.
Memory tip
The ph at the start is said as f, so the word begins like fine: fy-MOH-sis.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
case of phimosis
diagnosed with phimosis
phimosis in children
treatment for phimosis
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like phimosis.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The doctor examined the boy and explained what _____ means.
Etymology
Phimosis comes from an Ancient Greek word that meant muzzling and also a tightening of the foreskin. That word in turn came from a verb meaning to muzzle.
Rhymes for phimosis
meiosis
mitosis
osmosis
stenosis
acidosis
zoonosis
cyanosis
necrosis
neurosis
hypnosis
fibrosis
silicosis
See all rhymes for phimosis →
Frequently asked questions
What does phimosis mean?
Phimosis is a tightening of the foreskin that prevents it from being pulled back.
How do you pronounce phimosis?
In American English it is pronounced fy-MOH-sis, with the stress on the middle syllable.
What is the plural of phimosis?
The plural is phimoses.
What is the meaning of phimosis?
"phimosis" (noun) means a medical condition in which the foreskin is too tight to be pulled back.
