penis

noun

pe·​nis ˈpē-nəs 

plural penises also penes ˈpē-(ˌ)nēz 

: a male copulatory and erogenous organ that is typically cylindrical in shape and that in mammals is usually suspended from the pubis, has two large lateral columns of vascular, erectile tissue with a smaller central column of erectile tissue surrounding the urethra through which urine and semen pass, and has a terminal glans sheathed by a foreskin

Note: The penis develops from the same embryonic mass of tissue as the clitoris.

Word History

Etymology

Latin, penis, tail; akin to Old High German faselt penis, Greek peos

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing penis

• glans penis
• penis envy

Kids Definition

penis

noun

pe·​nis ˈpē-nəs 

plural penises also penes ˈpē-ˌnēz 

: a male organ of copulation containing a channel through which sperm leaves the body that in mammals including human beings also serves to discharge urine from the body

penile

-ˌnīl

adjective

Medical Definition

penis

noun

pe·​nis ˈpē-nəs 

plural penes ˈpē-(ˌ)nēz  or penises

: a male copulatory and erogenous organ that is typically cylindrical in shape and that in mammals is usually suspended from the pubic arch, has two large lateral corpora cavernosa and a smaller central corpus spongiosum surrounding the urethra through which urine and semen pass, and has a terminal glans enclosing the ends of the corpora cavernosa sheathed by a foreskin

Note: The penis develops from the same embryonic mass of tissue as the clitoris.