groin
[ groin ]
/ grɔɪn /
noun
Anatomy. the fold or hollow on either side of the front of the body where the thigh joins the abdomen.
the general region of this fold or hollow.
Architecture. the curved line or edge formed by the intersection of two vaults.
Also groyne . a small jetty extending from a shore to prevent beach erosion.
verb (used with object)
Architecture. to form with groins.
QUIZZES
DISCOVER THE INFLUENCE OF PORTUGUESE ON ENGLISH VIA THIS QUIZ!
We’ve gathered some interesting words donated to English from Portuguese … as well as some that just don’t translate at all. Do you know what they mean?
Question 1 of 11
Which of the following animal names traces its immediate origin to Portuguese?
Origin of groin
1350–1400; earlier grine, Middle English grinde; compare Old English grynde “abyss,” akin to grund “bottom, ground1”
OTHER WORDS FROM groin
un·groined, adjectiveWords nearby groin
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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British Dictionary definitions for groin
groin
/ (ɡrɔɪn) /
noun
the depression or fold where the legs join the abdomenRelated adjective: inguinal
euphemistic the genitals, esp the testicles
a variant spelling (esp US) of groyne
architect a curved arris formed where two intersecting vaults meet
verb
(tr) architect to provide or construct with groins
Word Origin for groin
C15: perhaps from English grynde abyss; related to ground 1
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Medical definitions for groin
groin
[ groin ]
n.
The crease or hollow at the junction of the inner part of each thigh with the trunk, together with the adjacent region and often including the external genitals.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.