Definition

Noun: 1. A specific sexual practice between women: Tribadism refers to a form of sexual activity, typically between women, where one partner lies on top of the other and simulates the thrusting motions of heterosexual intercourse, often to achieve mutual clitoral stimulation through genital-to-genital contact or rubbing.

Usage

• Tribadism is a term used in specific contexts, such as sexology, LGBTQ+ studies, or clinical discussions.
• It describes a particular physical act rather than defining a person's sexual identity (like "lesbianism" does).
• The term is considered technical and may not be common in everyday conversation.

Examples

• The anthropological text described various sexual practices, including tribadism.
• In some sex education manuals, tribadism is discussed as one method of female-to-female sexual expression.

Advanced Usage

• The term can appear in academic, medical, or historical analyses of human sexual behavior.
• It is sometimes used to distinguish specific acts from broader categories of sexual orientation or identity.

Variants and Related Words

• Tribade (noun, archaic): A historical term for a woman who engages in tribadism or, more broadly, a lesbian.
• Scissoring (noun, informal): A modern, colloquial term that often refers to a similar position or act, though the terms are not perfectly synonymous.

Synonyms

• Grinding (informal, general): A broad term for a rubbing motion, which can be used in sexual and non-sexual contexts.
• Frottage: A term for achieving sexual stimulation by rubbing, which can be applied to various forms of contact.

Notes on Meaning and Usage

• Clinical vs. Colloquial: "Tribadism" is a formal, clinical term. In everyday language, people might use descriptive phrases like "grinding" or refer to the specific position instead.
• Historical Context: The word has historical usage and was more common in older medical or sexological texts. Its use today is largely specialized.
• Focus on Act: It is crucial to understand that this word defines a specific sexual , not a sexual . A woman who identifies as a lesbian may or may not engage in tribadism.

Noun

1. a form of lesbianism that simulates heterosexual intercourse