hymen
/ˈhaɪmən/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: 2.57 in modern English
13
Scrabble Score
5
Letters
2
Syllables
5
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
A membrane which completely or partially occludes the vaginal opening in human females.
noun
name
The god of marriage and marriage ceremonies.
Example Sentences
- "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!"
- "Fanny read to herself that "it was with infinite concern the newspaper had to announce to the world, a matrimonial fracas in the family of Mr. R. of Wimpole Street; the beautiful Mrs. R. whose name had not long been enrolled in the lists of hymen, and who had promised to become so brilliant a leader in the fashionable world, having quitted her husband's roof in company with the well known and captivating Mr. C. the intimate friend and associate of Mr. R. and it was not known, even to the editor of the newspaper, whither they were gone.""
- ""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.[…]""
Etymology
Origin
Word Breakdown
- Root: *syewH-, hymen, hymēn, ὑμήν, Ῡ̔μήν