Definition of Hymen

1. Noun. (Greek mythology) the god of marriage.

Category relationships: Greek Mythology
Generic synonyms: Greek Deity

2. Noun. A fold of tissue that partly covers the entrance to the vagina of a virgin.
Exact synonyms: Maidenhead, Virginal Membrane
Generic synonyms: Mucosa, Mucous Membrane
Group relationships: Vagina
Specialized synonyms: Imperforate Hymen
Derivative terms: Hymenal

Definition of Hymen

1. n. A fold of muscous membrane often found at the orifice of the vagina; the vaginal membrane.

2. n. A fabulous deity; according to some, the son of Apollo and Urania, according to others, of Bacchus and Venus. He was the god of marriage, and presided over nuptial solemnities.

Definition of Hymen

1. Proper noun. (Greek god) The god of marriage and marriage ceremonies. ¹

2. Noun. (anatomy) A mucous membrane which completely or partially occludes the vaginal opening in human females. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Hymen

1. a vaginal membrane [n -S] : HYMENAL [adj]

Medical Definition of Hymen

1. 1. A fabulous deity; according to some, the son of Apollo and Urania, according to others, of Bacchus and Venus. He was the god of marriage, and presided over nuptial solemnities. "Till Hymen brought his love-delighted hour, There dwelt no joy in Eden's rosy bower." (Campbell) 2. Marriage; union as if by marriage. "Hymen of element and race." (Emerson) Origin: L, fr. Gr. A fold of muscous membrane often found at the orifice of the vagina; the vaginal membrane. Origin: Gr. Skin, membrane. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Hymen

hylopathists
hylophagous
hylotheism
hylotheisms
hylotheist
hylotheists
hylozoic
hylozoism
hylozoisms
hylozoist
hylozoistic
hylozoists
hym
hymar
hymecromone
hymen bifenestratus
hymen sculptatus
hymen subseptus
hymenal
hymenally challenged
hymeneal
hymeneally
hymeneals
hymenean
hymenectomy
hymenia
hymenial
hymenial cystidium

Literary usage of Hymen

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Medical Lexicon: A Dictionary of Medical Science : Containing a Concise by Robley Dunglison (1868)
"Hence the presence of the hymen does not absolutely prove virginity ; nor does its absence ... The term has also been applied to the incision of the hymen, ..."

2. The American Journal of the Medical Sciences by Southern Society for Clinical Investigation (U.S.) (1885)
"The orifice of the hymen rarely occupies the centre of the membrane, and admits the annexed eight varieties of abnormal hymen :— 1. The denticulate hymen ..."

3. Anatomy, Descriptive and Surgical by Henry Gray (1901)
"The hymen varies much in shape. Its commonest form is that of a ring, generally broadest posteriorly : sometimes it is represented by a semilunar fold, ..."

4. A Practical Treatise on the Diseases of Women by Theodore Gaillard Thomas (1891)
"Two cases of cysts of the hymen are reported by ... There are really no new growths of the normal hymen on record, but the torn membrane is liable to a ..."

5. Treatise on the Diseases of Women: For the Use of Students and Practitioners by Alexander Johnston Chalmers Skene (1889)
"There is a considerable variation in the shape of the hymen, and, though there ... The hymen is usually lacerated in several places during the first coitus, ..."

6. A Treatise on Medical Jurisprudence by Francis Wharton, Moreton Stillé (1860)
"Condition of the hymen.—This comes under consideration only, of course where the ... Indeed, the hymen is looked upon as the infallible sign of virginity. ..."

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