clitoris
Etymology

From post-classical Latin clitoris (16th century), or its source, grc-koi κλειτορίς, probably from Ancient Greek κλείω, in reference to its being covered by the labia minora.

The related noun form κλείς has a second meaning of "a key, a latch or hook (to close a door)." Wooden pegs were the original keys; a connection also revealed in Latin clavis ("nail") and claudere ("to shut") (see close). Some medical sources give a supposed Greek verb κλειτοριάζω ("touch or titillate lasciviously, tickle") literally "to be inclined (toward pleasure)" (compare German Kitzler, related to Greek κλειτύς ("shut, closed"), a variant of κλιτύς ("hillside"), related to κλίνω ("I slope"), from the same root as κλῖμαξ ("ladder").

Pronunciation
  • IPA: /ˈklɪtəɹɪs/, IPA: /klɪˈtɔɹɪs/
Noun

clitoris

  1. (anatomy) A sensitive elongated erectile organ at the anterior part of the vulva in female humans and other mammals, homologous with the penis. [from 17th c.]
    stimulate the clitoris
    She complains that her boyfriend can't find her clitoris.
  2. (zoology) A similar erectile sexual organ present in the cloacas of female amniotes.
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