English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun

priapism

PRY-uh-piz-uhm
Quiz me More like this

Priapism (noun) means a medical condition in which an erection does not go down, even without any physical or mental stimulation. Example: “The doctor explained that priapism needs urgent treatment.”

noun
1
medical A medical condition in which an erection does not go down, even without any physical or mental stimulation.
"The doctor explained that priapism needs urgent treatment."
"He went to hospital with priapism after an injury to his spine."
"Priapism can be painful and should never be left untreated."

How to use priapism

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA painful medical condition where an erection will not go away.

When to use it

It is a clinical term, used mainly in medical writing and discussion.

Memory tip

The related adjective is priapic.

Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
suffer from priapism a case of priapism treat priapism priapism requires urgent treatment
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like priapism.
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
Test yourself on “priapism” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The doctor explained that _____ needs urgent treatment.

Etymology

The word comes from Latin priapismus, which was built on Priapus, a god of procreation, plus the suffix -ism. The Latin form in turn came from Ancient Greek priapismos.

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for priapism

See all rhymes for priapism →

Frequently asked questions

What is priapism?
Priapism is a medical condition in which an erection persists without any stimulation. It can be painful and harmful.
What causes priapism?
It can follow a spinal injury, among other causes. A doctor should assess any case.
How do you pronounce priapism?
It is pronounced PRY-uh-piz-uhm, with the stress on the first syllable.
What is the meaning of priapism?
"priapism" (noun) means a medical condition in which an erection does not go down, even without any physical or mental stimulation.