What does clitoris mean?
The clitoris is the small, highly sensitive female sexual organ situated at the upper portion of the vulva, where the labia minora meet. Externally it appears as a small rounded prominence called the glans, partially covered by a fold of skin known as the clitoral hood, but the complete structure extends internally with erectile tissue and crura that anchor it within the pelvis. Its only established biological function is to provide sexual sensation and pleasure, making it unique among human organs. Composed of dense nerve tissue, it is regarded as the primary site of female sexual arousal. The word is a standard term of anatomy, appearing throughout medical literature, biology textbooks, sex education materials, and scholarly discussion of human sexuality. While frank in register and sometimes avoided in polite small talk, it carries no vulgar connotation and is considered the correct scientific term for this part of the body. Related adjective: clitoral.
nounThe clitoris is a small, highly sensitive female sexual organ located at the front of the vulva, above the urethral opening, whose sole known function is sexual pleasure.
- The small, sensitive female sexual organ at the anterior part of the vulva, composed largely of erectile tissue and serving as the primary center of female sexual pleasure.
"The anatomy textbook included a detailed diagram of the clitoris and its surrounding structures."
"Medical students studied a cross-section showing the full internal structure of the clitoris."
"The article discussed how the clitoris, long overlooked in anatomical research, contains thousands of nerve endings."
In ordinary modern English, 'clitorises' is the usual plural; 'clitorides' appears mainly in older or highly technical anatomical writing.
"Comparative anatomy courses often examine differences in clitorises across mammalian species."
Most of the clitoris is hidden inside the body — the visible part is just the tip of an organ that extends several centimeters internally.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of clitoris
The word 'clitoris' derives from Greek 'kleitoris', meaning the same organ; the ultimate root within Greek is uncertain, though it has been linked by some scholars to 'kleiein' ('to shut') or to words meaning 'key' or 'hill'. It entered English via New Latin in the early 17th century, as anatomical writers translated classical Greek medical texts. Cognate forms appear across European languages, all tracing back to the same Greek source, such as French 'clitoris' and German 'Klitoris'.
Related word forms
How clitoris is actually used
A formal clinical/anatomical term used in medicine, biology, sex education, and academic writing; it may be considered explicit in casual conversation but is entirely appropriate in educational and medical contexts.
Easily confused with clitoris
The clavicle is the collarbone connecting the shoulder to the breastbone, whereas the clitoris is a female sexual organ.
'Clitoral' is the adjective form relating to the clitoris, not the noun itself.