hymen
Definition
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A thin, elastic membrane stretched partly or completely across the entrance of the
vagina (
vestibule ). It has no known biological function. An
intact hymen has long and erroneously been considered the hallmark of female
virginity . The presence or absence of the hymen is no proof of
virginity or its opposite; the hymen can be
broken in the normal course of
physical activities when the body is stretched strenuously, as in athletics, sports or exercises. It may be absent, small, thin and pliant, or, more rarely, tough and dense, completely blocking the vaginal entrance; it varies in size, shape and thickness from
woman to
woman . If it is too resistant to tearing it may require a small surgical incision,
hymenotomy , or even removal,
hymenectomy , before vaginal
intercourse can take place.
There are four types:
-- 1. the
annular hymen , comprises a
single large
opening ;
-- 2. a septate hymen, has two semicircular openings separated by a vertical fold of tissue in the middle;
-- 3. a cribriform hymen, has multiple small openings;
-- 4. an
imperforate hymen , has no
opening . This last type is rare.
ETYMOLOGY: Late Latin hymên , from
Greek humên , thin
skin or membrane; entered
standard English in the 17
th century. Hymen was also the
Greek god of
marriage .
SYNONYMS:
bean ; bride's pride; bride's proof;
buster ;
cherry ;
cherry blossom ;
crust ;
darling treasure ;
delicate tissue ;
doorkeeper ;
flower ;
hymenal ring ;
issue over tissue ;
jewel ;
jewel without price ;
Judys tea cup ; maid's
ring ;
maiden gear ;
maidenhead ;
maiden ring ;
perishable commodity ;
pipkin ;
ring ;
tail fence ;
tail gate ;
virgin flower ;
virgin head (
virginhead );
virgin knot ;
virgin membrane ;
virginal membrane ;
virginity .
SEE ALSO:
cracked pitcher ;
deflower ;
deflowered ;
lost her honor ;
virgo intacta .
QUOTES: From Encyclopedia of Graffiti by Robert Reisner & Lorraine Wechsler (1974):-- ' Cure virgnity.'-- ' Carry me back to old virginity .'-- ' I'm a virgin , but I'm on the verge .'-- ' Help stamp out hymens.'
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