What does glans mean?
Glans is an anatomical noun for the rounded structure at the end of the penis. The term is also used in the more specific expression glans clitoris for the corresponding end of the clitoris. In ordinary English, the unmodified word most often refers to the penile glans, especially in medical, biological, and sex-education contexts. Its use is therefore relatively technical, and writers may choose a more general or euphemistic term when addressing a broad audience. The word is distinctive because it describes a highly innervated structure involved in sexual sensation and function. Historically, it comes from the Latin word for an acorn, a comparison based on the rounded shape of the object. The standard English plural is glans, although the Latin plural glandes also occurs in specialized and Latinized contexts.
nounThe glans is the rounded, distal end of the penis. In anatomical usage, the glans clitoris is the corresponding end of the clitoris.
- The rounded, distal end of the penis.
- The distal end of the clitoris, usually called the glans clitoris.
"The glans is highly sensitive and plays an important role in sexual sensation."
"The glans is highly sensitive and plays an important role in sexual sensation."
"The glans clitoris is the small, exposed tip of the clitoris."
The standard English plural is usually unchanged: glans. The plural glandes is found in Latinized or specialized usage.
"The glans and the surrounding tissues are highly sensitive."
A word that once referred to an acorn now names one of the body's most sensitive and recognizable structures.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does glans come from?
The word entered English in the early 17th century from Latin glāns, meaning “acorn,” a term that was also used for the rounded tip of the penis. Latin glāns was borrowed from Ancient Greek gláns, likewise meaning “acorn.” The anatomical sense developed from the visual resemblance between an acorn and the rounded end of the penis.
How glans is actually used
Usually formal or clinical in tone. In general anatomy, it is a precise term; in everyday or educational contexts, euphemistic alternatives may be preferred.
Easily confused with glans
A gland is an organ that produces or releases secretions, whereas the glans is the rounded end of the penis or clitoris.