What does "hymen" mean?
A membrane which completely or partially occludes the vaginal opening in human females.
Hymen
/ˈhaɪmən/ name, noun
name, noun ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A membrane which completely or partially occludes the vaginal opening in human females.
- Grammar: hymen is listed as name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: agdistis, allantoic membrane, amnion, amniotic sac.
- Useful contrasts: medical understanding, perforated hymen, scientific consensus.
- Usage evidence: Most virgins have an intact hymen.
How to use "hymen"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "hymen" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "hymen" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "hymen" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "hymen" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "hymen" is acting as name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "agdistis" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "hymen", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A membrane which completely or partially occludes the vaginal opening in human females.
- 2 a fold of tissue that partly covers the entrance to the vagina of a virgin wordnet
- 3 Marriage. figuratively
"I would for ever baniſh from my thoughts—I will obey the firſt ſummons that proclaims you a happy wife.—On my devoted head may every miſery, reſulting from an ill-fated marriage, have juſtly been exhauſted. On your propitious hymen may ſmiling peace, domeſtic harmony, and mutual love, for ever wait; and time alone diſſolve the tender union!"
Proper Noun
- 1 The god of marriage and marriage ceremonies. Greek
""By the saffron robe of Hymen," cried Lord Norbourne, "but that would be a blessing! I own that I am no great friend to marriage in general; […] If a young man has his way to make in the world, a wife is a dead weight upon his hands.[…]""
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
medical understandingperforated hymenscientific consensus
Example
"Most virgins have an intact hymen."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "hymen"?
Common synonyms include: agdistis, allantoic membrane, amnion, amniotic sac, amor, aphrodite.
How do you use "hymen" in a sentence?
Most virgins have an intact hymen.
How do you pronounce "hymen"?
Pronounced /ˈhaɪmən/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle French hymen, from Late Latin hymēn, from Ancient Greek ὑμήν (humḗn, “skin; membrane”).
Etymology 2
From Latin Hymēn, from Ancient Greek Ῡ̔μήν (Hūmḗn).