monorchid

noun

mon·​or·​chid mä-ˈnȯr-kəd How to pronounce monorchid (audio)
: an individual who has only one testis or only one descended into the scrotum
monorchid adjective
monorchidism noun

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from the stem of New Latin monorchides, plural of monorchis "having one testicle, a person with such a condition," borrowed from Greek mónorchis "having one testicle," from mon- mon- + -orchis, adjective derivative of órchis "testicle" — more at orchis

Note: New Latin monorchides was apparently formed by erroneously taking the stem of Greek órchis as orchid-; cf. orchidaceous and orchid.

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of monorchid was in 1857

Dictionary Entries Near monorchid

Cite this Entry

“Monorchid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monorchid. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

monorchid

1 of 2 adjective
mon·​or·​chid mä-ˈnȯr-kəd How to pronounce monorchid (audio)
: having only one testis or only one testis descended into the scrotum compare cryptorchid

monorchid

2 of 2 noun
: a monorchid individual
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