Definition

Noun: 1. The male external reproductive organ: The penis is the male organ used for sexual intercourse and urination. In mammals, it also serves to deliver semen. 2. (Technical/Anatomical): The male copulatory organ, which is typically cylindrical and contains erectile tissue.

Usage

The word "penis" is a standard, formal anatomical and biological term. It is used in medical, scientific, and general adult contexts. * It is considered a neutral, clinical term. In informal or euphemistic speech, many other terms are used. * It is a countable noun. Its standard plural form is penises. The less common plural penes is used in highly technical or academic writing.

Examples

• General/Medical Context:
  • The doctor explained the basic functions of the penis.
  • Certain birth defects can affect the development of the penis.
• Biological/Scientific Context:
  • The study compared the anatomy of the penis across different mammalian species.
  • Erection occurs when the erectile tissue in the penis fills with blood.

Advanced Usage

• As a modifier: The word can be used attributively (like an adjective) in compound nouns to specify a related anatomical part or condition.
  • penis size (e.g., Concerns about penis size are common.)
  • penis enlargement (a surgical or medical procedure)

Variants and Related Words

• Penile (adjective): Relating to or affecting the penis.
  • The patient was diagnosed with a penile disorder.
• Phallus (noun): A term often used in symbolic, anthropological, or psychoanalytic contexts to represent the penis, especially as a symbol of male generative power. It is more abstract than the anatomical term "penis."
• Glans penis (noun): The rounded, highly sensitive tip (head) of the penis.

Synonyms

• Member (noun): A common euphemism, as noted in the reference definition. (e.g., )
• Phallus (noun): See "Variants and Related Words" above.
• Informal/Vulgar Synonyms: Many informal, slang, or vulgar synonyms exist (e.g., cock, dick). These are not appropriate for formal or medical communication.

Idioms and Common Phrases

• Penis envy: A psychoanalytic concept introduced by Sigmund Freud, hypothesizing a stage in female development where a girl experiences anxiety upon realizing she does not have a penis.
  • Freud's theory of penis envy has been widely debated and criticized.
• (To have) a Napoleon complex / Small man syndrome: While not directly about the penis, this idiom refers to a theorized condition where a person of short stature compensates by being overly aggressive. It is sometimes incorrectly and offensively linked to concerns about penis size.

Noun

1. the male organ of copulation (`member' is a euphemism)