What does clitoric mean?
"Clitoric" is a technical adjective used in anatomy and medicine to describe something relating to or located in the region of the clitoris, as in phrases like "clitoric tissue." It functions identically to the much more common adjective "clitoral," which has largely displaced it in contemporary usage; today "clitoric" appears mainly in older medical texts or as an acknowledged variant. Like its synonym, the word derives from the Greek "kleitoris," the classical name for the organ itself, which entered English via Latin in early modern medical writing. Because of its narrow domain, "clitoric" carries no informal or figurative senses — it belongs strictly to clinical description. For general readers, encountering the word usually signals a historical or specialized anatomical source, since modern textbooks and patient-facing materials overwhelmingly prefer "clitoral." Knowing both forms can help readers navigate older scientific literature with confidence.
adjectiveRelating to or situated in the region of the clitoris.
- Relating to or situated in the region of the clitoris.
"The anatomical diagram labelled the clitoric tissue with careful precision."
"The medical textbook included a detailed illustration of clitoric anatomy."
"Early anatomists debated the precise structure and function of clitoric tissue."
"Clitoric" is one of those rare words where the more familiar-sounding "clitoral" actually won — most dictionaries list it as a mere variant.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of clitoric
"Clitoric" derives from "clitoris," a word English borrowed from Latin "clitoris," itself taken from the Greek "kleitoris," meaning the clitoris. The adjectival suffix "-ic" was added to form this anatomical adjective, following the same pattern that produced "clitoral." Both variants have been in use since at least the nineteenth century, though "clitoral" has become dominant in modern medical English.
How clitoric is actually used
A technical term found chiefly in medical and anatomical writing; "clitoral" is the preferred and far more frequent form in modern usage.
Easily confused with clitoric
"Clitoral" is the far more common adjective meaning relating to the clitoris, while "clitoric" is a rarer variant with the same meaning.