phimosis

[ fahy-moh-sis, fi- ]

noun

, Pathology.

, plural phi·mo·ses [fahy-, moh, -seez, fi-].

1. constriction of the orifice of the prepuce so as to prevent the foreskin from being drawn back to uncover the glans penis.
2. a similar condition involving the clitoris.
3. narrowness of the vagina.

phimosis

/ faɪˈməʊsɪs /

noun

1. abnormal tightness of the foreskin, preventing its being retracted over the tip of the penis

Other Words From

• phi·mot·ic [fahy-, mot, -ik, fi-], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of phimosis¹

1665–75; < New Latin phīmōsis < Greek phīmṓsis literally, a muzzling, equivalent to phīmō-, verbid stem of phīmoûn to muzzle + -sis -sis

Word History and Origins

Origin of phimosis¹

C17: via New Latin from Greek: a muzzling, from phimos a muzzle

Example Sentences

Soft sores are often complicated by phimosis and balanitis, and they frequently lead to infection of the glands in the groin.

From Project Gutenberg

All cases of phimosis should be operated upon in infancy, by complete or partial circumcision.

From Project Gutenberg

Phimosis, or narrowness of the opening of the prepuce is nearly always of embryonic origin.

From Project Gutenberg

A remedy which is almost always successful in small boys is circumcision, especially when there is any degree of phimosis.

From Project Gutenberg

Phimosis is an ancient attendant on our inheritance of the prepuce, we being, in fact, born with it; this is the rule.

From Project Gutenberg