clitoris

American  

[klit-er-is, kli-tawr-is] / ˈklɪt ər ɪs, klɪˈtɔr ɪs /

noun

Anatomy, Zoology.

clitorises, plural clitorides plural

1. the erectile organ of the vulva, used exclusively for sexual arousal and stimulation: located inside of the vulva except for the protruding glans.

2. glans clitoris.

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clitoris British  

/ ˈklɪtərɪs, ˈklaɪ- /

noun

1. a part of the female genitalia consisting of a small elongated highly sensitive erectile organ at the front of the vulva: homologous with the penis

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clitoris Scientific  

/ klĭt′ər-ĭs,klĭ-tôr′ĭs /

1. A sensitive external organ of the reproductive system in female mammals and some other animals that is capable of becoming erect. It is located above or in front of the urethra.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• clitoral
  adjective
• clitoric
  adjective
• clitoridean
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• clitorides
  plural
• clitorises
  plural

Etymology

Origin of clitoris

First recorded in 1605–15; from Greek kleitorís, akin to kleíein “to shut”

Explanation

The clitoris is a female sexual organ. A certain type of embryonic tissue develops either into a penis, in male babies, or a clitoris, in female babies. Like the penis, the clitoris has many sensitive nerve endings. It is located at the anterior end of the vulva.

Example Sentences

Butterfly pea flower extract is derived from a clitoria ternatea plant, often used as a natural food colorant, according to the NIH.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2025

One of the greenhouse’s most intriguing plants is the clitoria flower, a vibrant bloom native to Southeast Asia.

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2025

He uses natural food coloring to make the bread: saffron to color the dough yellow, and an infusion made from the leaves of the blue butterfly pea flower, or clitoria ternatea, to get the blue.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 19, 2022