priapism

American  

[prahy-uh-piz-uhm] / ˈpraɪ əˌpɪz əm /

noun

1. Pathology. continuous, usually nonsexual erection of the penis, especially due to disease.

2. prurient behavior or display.

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priapism British  

/ ˈpraɪəˌpɪzəm /

noun

1. pathol prolonged painful erection of the penis, caused by neurological disorders, obstruction of the penile blood vessels, etc

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Other Word Forms

• priapismic adjective

Etymology

Origin of priapism

First recorded in 1580–90; Priap(us) + -ism

Example Sentences

Clinton’s presidential priapism was less egregious than Kennedy’s and he got impeached for it; no modern president has imitated the Kennedy seraglio.

From New York Times

A 17-year-old boy with sickle cell disease had three episodes of priapism beginning at age 10.

From Forbes

But the high proportion of patients identified as having sickle-cell disease, according to Broderick, suggests sickle-cell is the main driver of priapism.

From Reuters

But all that ribaldry and priapism can be tough going.

From New York Times

Among boys a disease called priapism is often developed; this arises from undue handling of the parts, or from some morbid state of the child's health.

From Project Gutenberg