epididymis

American  

[ep-i-did-uh-mis] / ˌɛp ɪˈdɪd ə mɪs /

noun

Anatomy.

plural

epididymides

1. 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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epididymis British  

/ ˌɛpɪˈdɪdɪmɪs /

noun

1. 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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Other Word Forms

• epididymal adjective

Etymology

Origin of epididymis

1600–10; < Greek epididymís; see epi-, didymous

Example Sentences

This had effects on the reproductive organs of the animals, including the epididymis.

From Science Daily • Jun. 5, 2024

The epididymis is the area in the male reproductive system where freshly formed sperm mature.

From Science Daily • Jun. 5, 2024

Once those RNA packages arrive at the epididymis, the hypothesis goes, they prompt a of cascade of changes at conception that evade the stripping, or rebooting, process and the subsequent reshuffling during early development.

From New York Times • Dec. 10, 2018

A lump in the epididymis is seldom concerning, whereas a lump on the testicle should raise the concern of testicular cancer.

From Salon • Jul. 15, 2018

Enlarged veins of the scrotum represent dilatation of the veins of the epididymis.

From The Biology, Physiology and Sociology of Reproduction Also Sexual Hygiene with Special Reference to the Male by Hall, Winfield Scott