genital

adjective

gen·​i·​tal ˈje-nə-tᵊl How to pronounce genital (audio)
1
2
: of, relating to, or being a sexual organ
3
: of, relating to, or characterized by the stage of psychosexual development in psychoanalytic theory following the latency (see latency sense 3) period and during which oral and anal impulses are subordinated to adaptive interpersonal mechanisms
genitally adverb

Examples of genital in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Symptoms include a burning sensation while peeing, genital soreness, redness, itching, and unusual discharge. Wendy Wisner, Health, 31 Oct. 2024 Then there are phthalates, plastic-softening chemicals added to food containers that have been linked to genital malformations in boys and lower sperm counts and testosterone levels in men. Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2024 Found in shampoo, makeup, perfume and children’s toys as well as food containers, phthalates have been linked with genital malformations and undescended testes in baby boys and lower sperm counts and testosterone levels in adult males. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 16 Sep. 2024 The study authors theorize the man’s condition possibly occurred through growing three initial genital tubercles. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for genital 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin genitalis, from genitus, past participle of gignere to beget — more at kin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of genital was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near genital

Cite this Entry

“Genital.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/genital. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

genital

adjective
gen·​i·​tal ˈjen-ə-tᵊl How to pronounce genital (audio)
: of or relating to reproduction or the sexual organs

Medical Definition

genital

adjective
gen·​i·​tal ˈjen-ə-tᵊl How to pronounce genital (audio)
1
2
: of, relating to, or being a sexual organ
3
a
: of, relating to, or characterized by the stage of psychosexual development in psychoanalytic theory following the latency period and during which oral and anal impulses are subordinated to adaptive interpersonal mechanisms
b
: of, relating to, or characterized by a personality in the genital stage of psychosexual development especially as typified by normal sexual desires and by concern for the happiness and pleasures of others compare anal sense 2, oral sense 3
genitally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on genital

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