epididymis
[ep-i-did-uh-mis]
- an elongated organ on the posterior surface of a testis that stores sperm while they mature and constitutes the convoluted beginning of the vas deferens.
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See also vas efferens.
Origin of epididymis
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for epididymis
Historical Examples
The epididymis referred to above, consists of a mass of coiled tubes and blood vessels.
The Biology, Physiology and Sociology of ReproductionWinfield S. Hall
This epithelium is found lining parts of the respiratory passages, the vas deferens and the epididymis.
Its tubules unite with the seminiferous tubules, and also form the epididymis.
The Works of Francis Maitland Balfour, Volume 1Francis Maitland Balfour
These two surgeons have restored function in six such cases by uniting the vas with the epididymis by Martin's operation.
The Ethics of Medical Homicide and MutilationAustin O'Malley
epididymis
- anatomy a convoluted tube situated along the posterior margin of each testis, in which spermatozoa are stored and conveyed to the vas deferens
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Word Origin
C17: from Greek epididumis, from epi- + didumos twin, testicle; see didymous
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for epididymis
n.
c.1600, "fleshy mass at the back of the testicles," Modern Latin, literally "that which is on the testicles," from Greek epididymis, a word probably coined by Greek anatomist Herophilus (c.300 B.C.E.) from epi "on" (see epi-) + didymos "testicle," literally "double, twofold" (adj.). "To save his Epididamies" [Richard Brome, "The Court Beggar," 1652].
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
epididymis
(ĕp′ĭ-dĭd′ə-mĭs)- A long, narrow, convoluted tube in the spermatic duct system that lies on the posterior aspect of each testicle and connects with the vas deferens.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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