What does spermatic mean?
Spermatic is an adjective meaning relating to sperm, semen, or the male reproductive anatomy. Its best-known use is in “spermatic cord,” the structure that extends from the abdomen to a testicle and contains the vas deferens, blood vessels, nerves, and related tissues. The term is also used for the spermatic artery and spermatic vein, which carry blood to and from the testicles. In general writing, “spermatic” sounds technical and may suggest a precise anatomical or medical context, whereas “testicular” is often more immediately understandable for something concerning the testicles. “Seminal” can refer more broadly to semen or to seed-bearing plant structures and is therefore not always interchangeable. Spermatic is useful when describing the specific anatomy of male reproductive structures rather than sperm in general.
adjectiveRelating to sperm or the male reproductive organs, especially the spermatic cord and testicles. In medical usage, it refers to structures involved in the transport, storage, or regulation of sperm.
- Relating to sperm or semen.
- Relating to the spermatic cord or other male reproductive structures.
"The surgeon carefully examined the spermatic cord during the operation."
"The spermatic artery supplies blood to the testicles and nearby structures."
"Anatomists described the fibrous layers surrounding the spermatic cord."
"The condition can cause pain along the course of the spermatic vein."
The spermatic cord is not a cord of sperm: it is a bundle of nerves, blood vessels, and the vas deferens that travels through the groin.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does spermatic come from?
The word comes from Latin spermaticus, a derivative of sperma, “seed” or “sperm,” which was borrowed from Greek sperma. The same Latin stem appears in related anatomical and biological terms such as spermary and spermatheca. In English, the adjective became established in medical and anatomical terminology through the use of phrases including “spermatic cord.”
How spermatic is actually used
This is primarily a medical and anatomical adjective. It is more specific than “seminal” and is not generally used in ordinary conversation.