Definition

Noun: 1. A sebaceous secretion: A whitish, cheesy substance that can accumulate under the foreskin of the penis or around the clitoris and labia minora. It is composed of dead skin cells, skin oils, and moisture.

Usage

• Hygiene Context: The term is most commonly used in medical, biological, and personal hygiene contexts to describe a natural bodily substance that requires regular cleaning to prevent odor or irritation.
• Biological/Medical Description: Used clinically to describe the secretion itself.

Advanced Usage

• Anthropological/Sexual Context: In some historical or cultural studies, the presence or absence of smegma has been discussed in relation to circumcision practices or sexual customs.

Variants and Related Words

• Sebum: The oily secretion of the sebaceous glands, which is a primary component of smegma.
• Smegmatic (adj): Pertaining to or resembling smegma. (This is a rare, technical adjective.)

Synonyms

• Preputial secretion: A more clinical synonym.
• Genital secretion: A broader, more general term.

Notes on Meaning

• The term is specific and biological. It is not used in everyday casual conversation but is standard in medical and health education materials.
• It is a neutral, scientific term, though it can be perceived as graphic or clinical in non-medical settings.

Noun

1. a white secretion of the sebaceous glands of the foreskin