groin

American  

[groin] / grɔɪn /

noun

groins plural

1. Anatomy. the fold or hollow on either side of the front of the body where the thigh joins the abdomen.

2. the general region of this fold or hollow.

3. Architecture. the curved line or edge formed by the intersection of two vaults.

4. Also groyne a small jetty extending from a shore to prevent beach erosion.

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verb (used with object)

1. Architecture. to form with groins.

groin British  

/ ɡrɔɪn /

noun

1. the depression or fold where the legs join the abdomen

2. euphemistic the genitals, esp the testicles

3. a variant spelling (esp US) of groyne

4. architect a curved arris formed where two intersecting vaults meet

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verb

1. (tr) architect to provide or construct with groins

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• ungroined
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• groins
  plural

Etymology

Origin of groin

1350–1400; earlier grine, Middle English grinde; compare Old English grynde “abyss,” akin to grund “bottom, ground ¹ ”

Example Sentences

Steel Groin is a team for women and individuals who self-identify as women, in contrast to many sports run on strict gender binary terms.

From Reuters • Nov. 17, 2022

Groin problems that dogged Bobrovsky throughout his time in Columbus grew chronic, knocking him out of action three times.

From Washington Times • Jan. 20, 2017

Groin problems cost him the top job for St. Louis in the lockout-shortened 2013 season; he didn’t play in last year’s playoffs.

From Washington Post • Mar. 6, 2014

Like so many things, The Simpsons expressed this critical principle best: “Barney’s movie had heart, but Football in the Groin had a football in the groin.”

From Time • Jul. 12, 2013

Both grades are for Groin or Scrotal Rupture only.

From Cluthe's Advice to the Ruptured by Cluthe Rupture Institute