vulvae

“Vulvae” is the plural form of “vulva,” a term in anatomy for the external genitalia of female mammals, particularly humans. The word is most often encountered in medical, anatomical, biological, and educational contexts, where it refers to structures including the labia and the surrounding external tissues. In ordinary discussion, singular forms such as “vulva” are generally more common when speaking about an individual person, while the plural can be useful for describing multiple anatomical structures or subjects. Although “vulva” and “vagina” are sometimes used interchangeably in informal speech, they are not anatomically synonymous: the vulva is external, whereas the vagina is an internal canal. “Vulvae” is therefore a precise plural noun that preserves the distinction between these parts of the female reproductive anatomy.

The plural of vulva, referring to the external genitalia of a female mammal, especially a human. In anatomical usage, it refers to the external structures of the vulva rather than the internal vagina.

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Etymology of vulvae

The word comes from Latin “vulva,” meaning the external opening or genital organs of a female, and “vulvae” is its traditional Latin plural form. English borrowed the term from Latin in the 16th century in anatomical usage. English derivatives such as “vulval,” “vulvar,” and “vulvitis” share the same Latin root, while later medical compounds including “vulvectomy” developed from it.

Related word forms

How vulvae is actually used

This is primarily a formal anatomical and medical term. In general writing, people usually use the singular “vulva” when referring to one person or one structure; “vulvae” is appropriate when discussing multiple animals, specimens, or anatomical structures. It is anatomically distinct from the vagina.

Easily confused with vulvae