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DictionarymenstruateMenstrual bleeding
verb

menstruate

MEN-stroo-ayt/ˈmenstrueɪt/

Discharge blood and tissue from the uterus during a menstrual period.

Some people experience mild cramps when they menstruate each month.

A seated woman calmly holds a warm compress against her lower abdomen beside a wrapped menstrual pad and plain cup, with a small unobtrusive clinical uterus inset showing lining shedding; menstrual process conveyed respectfully, no external genitalia, nudity or labels.
Etymology
menstruLatinmonthly
+ateEnglishform a verb

The “monthly” base names the recurring cycle rather than the discharge itself. The English verb probably arose by shortening menstruation, though derivation from the Latin verb menstruare is also possible.

In context

Cedar Notes0:12
why women menstruate in other words why do women have periods
Why women menstruate: the tale of the weeping uterus

More examples

  • Her doctor asks whether she menstruates regularly.
  • She uses a heating pad while menstruating.
  • She first menstruated when she was twelve.

Forms

menstruate · menstruates · menstruated · menstruating

menstruation noun — Uterine bleeding and tissue discharge during a period.

menstrual adjective — Relating to menstruation or the menstrual cycle.

Similar words

have a period
Everyday phrasing for the same process, rather than a clinical verb.
bleed
Refers to blood loss generally, not specifically menstrual discharge.