What does "milah" mean?
The first step in the bris, where the akroposthion is excised (later followed by periah, then posthetomy, then metzitza).
Milah
noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The first step in the bris, where the akroposthion is excised (later followed by periah, then posthetomy, then metzitza).
- Grammar: milah is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: bris.
- Usage evidence: The operation consists of three parts: " milah," " peri'ah," and " mezizah." Milah: The child having been placed upon a pillow resting upon the lap of the godfather or "sandek", ... the mohel exposes the parts by removal of the parts by removal of garments, etc., and instructs the sandek how to hold the child's legs. The mohel then grasps the prepuce between the thumb and index-finger of his left hand, exerting sufficient traction to draw it from the glans, and places the shield in position just before the glans. He now takes the knife and with one sweep excises the foreskin. This completes the first act. Peri'ah: After the excision has been completed, the mohel seizes the inner lining of the prepuce, which still covers the glans, with the thumb-nail
How to use "milah"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "milah" 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 "milah" 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 "milah" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "milah" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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- 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 "milah" is acting as 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 "bris" 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 "milah", 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 The first step in the bris, where the akroposthion is excised (later followed by periah, then posthetomy, then metzitza). Judaism, uncountable
"Milah is ordained in the Bible"
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"The operation consists of three parts: " milah," " peri'ah," and " mezizah." Milah: The child having been placed upon a pillow resting upon the lap of the godfather or "sandek", ... the mohel exposes the parts by removal of the parts by removal of garments, etc., and instructs the sandek how to hold the child's legs. The mohel then grasps the prepuce between the thumb and index-finger of his left hand, exerting sufficient traction to draw it from the glans, and places the shield in position just before the glans. He now takes the knife and with one sweep excises the foreskin. This completes the first act. Peri'ah: After the excision has been completed, the mohel seizes the inner lining of the prepuce, which still covers the glans, with the thumb-nail"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "milah"?
Common synonyms include: bris.
How do you use "milah" in a sentence?
The operation consists of three parts: " milah," " peri'ah," and " mezizah." Milah: The child having been placed upon a pillow resting upon the lap of the godfather or "sandek", ... the mohel exposes the parts by removal of the parts by removal of garments, etc., and instructs the sandek how to hold the child's legs. The mohel then grasps the prepuce between the thumb and index-finger of his left hand, exerting sufficient traction to draw it from the glans, and places the shield in position just before the glans. He now takes the knife and with one sweep excises the foreskin. This completes the first act. Peri'ah: After the excision has been completed, the mohel seizes the inner lining of the prepuce, which still covers the glans, with the thumb-nail
Etymology
Romanization of מילה (Hebrew for cut)