phallus
[fal-uh s]
- an image of the male reproductive organ, especially that carried in procession in ancient festivals of Dionysus, or Bacchus, symbolizing the generative power in nature.
- Anatomy. the penis, the clitoris, or the sexually undifferentiated embryonic organ out of which either of these develops.
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Origin of phallus
1605–15; < Latin < Greek phallós penis
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for phalli
Historical Examples
Some of these phalli were recreated as fast as they were worn away by zealous devotees.
Religion and LustJames Weir
The mystery of procreation was indicated by phalli on the Herm.
A Problem in Greek EthicsJohn Addington Symonds
It is said that there are thirty million phalli in India and that a phallus is found in nearly every Hindu household.
The Sex Worship and Symbolism of Primitive RacesSanger Brown, II
The basket contains apples and phalli, which may have been made of pastry.
Ancient Pagan and Modern Christian SymbolismThomas Inman
Phalli, usually in lead, have been even found in the river Rhône.
phallus
- another word for penis
- an image of the penis, esp as a religious symbol of reproductive power
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Word Origin
C17: via Late Latin from Greek phallos
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 phalli
phallus
n.
1610s, "an image of the penis," from Latin phallus, from Greek phallos "penis," also "carving or image of an erect penis (symbolizing the generative power in nature) used in the cult of Dionysus," from PIE *bhel-no-, from root *bhel- (2) "to blow, inflate, swell" (cf. Old Norse boli "bull," Old English bulluc "little bull," and possibly Greek phalle "whale;" see bole). Used of the penis itself (often in symbolic context) from 1924, originally in jargon of psychoanalysis.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
phallus
(făl′əs)- The penis.
- The sexually undifferentiated tissue in an embryo that becomes the penis or clitoris.
- The immature penis considered in psychoanalysis as the libidinal object of infantile sexuality in the male.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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