phimosis

American  

[fahy-moh-sis, fi-] / faɪˈmoʊ sɪs, fɪ- /

noun

Pathology.

plural

phimoses

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.

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phimosis British  

/ faɪˈməʊsɪs /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• phimotic adjective

Etymology

Origin of phimosis

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

Example Sentences

I have a friend who also had phimosis and was circumcised as an adult, and it’s made all the difference.

From Slate • Oct. 7, 2019

After experiencing some problems with bleeding and tearing, I had been diagnosed with phimosis, a condition in which the foreskin retracts with difficulty or not at all.

From The Guardian • Sep. 1, 2019

Marvin was successfully treated for phimosis as a child using steroid cream, and he is concerned some consultants might be advising circumcision unnecessarily.

From BBC • May 11, 2019

The most common reason coded for boys aged 1 and older was phimosis, or an unretracted foreskin, which could be noted for medical or nonmedical reasons.

From Forbes • Oct. 27, 2014

Circumcision.—In cases of phimosis, in which irritation is produced by retained secretions, division of the prepuce, or circumcision, is the proper remedy.

From Plain Facts for Old and Young by Kellogg, John Harvey