adjective / noun
genital
JEN-ih-tuhl/ˈdʒenɪtl/
An external reproductive organ, or relating to reproductive organs.
The clinician points out genital anatomy on the medical chart.
Etymology
The connection is with begetting: Latin genitalis described what concerned generation or birth. Applied to bodily organs, this became the anatomical sense 'relating to reproduction.'
In context
concerned that men would compete in women's events officials tried to classify athletes through genital examinations
More examples
- She asks her doctor about a rash in the genital area.
- The nurse explains how to keep the genitals clean.
- Protective equipment helps prevent injuries to the genitals.
Forms
genital · genitals
Similar words
- reproductive
- Covers reproduction broadly, including processes beyond the organs themselves.
- genitalia
- Names the external reproductive organs collectively, rather than describing them.