pudendum

American  

[pyoo-den-duhm] / pyuˈdɛn dəm /

noun

plural

pudenda

1. Anatomy. Usually pudenda the external genital organs, especially the vulva.

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pudendum British  

/ pjuːˈdɛndəm, ˈpjuːdɪk /

noun

1. (often plural) the human external genital organs collectively, esp of a female

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Sensitive Note

When pudendum first appeared in English in the 14th century, the term applied to all genitalia. But over time the term was used almost exclusively to mean the vulva. Some now find the term objectionable, as it is derived from the Latin verb “to be ashamed,” and therefore can project a negative image of human, and specifically female, sexuality. As a result, in 2019 it was announced that pudendum would be dropped from the next edition of the official international lexicon of anatomical terms Terminologia Anatomica. This likely means that use of the term, especially in scientific and medical contexts, will no longer be acceptable.

Other Word Forms

• pudendal adjective

Etymology

Origin of pudendum

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Late Latin, special use of neuter of Latin pudendus, gerundive of pudēre “to be ashamed”

Example Sentences

In 2019, with Dr. Broadfield’s support, Ms. Draper began research for a paper arguing that pudendum was inappropriate as a medical term and should be removed.

From New York Times • Sep. 21, 2021

In a way, the pudendum debate can be seen as an extension of the movement to remove the names of unsavory “discoverers” from medicine.

From New York Times • Sep. 21, 2021

His quoque annectamus, quod templa, seu sacras ædiculas domi propriæ à multis Islandorum extructas velut pudendum quiddam commemorat: quodque eas primùm omnium de manè oraturi petant, nec à quoquam prius interpellari patiantur.

From The Principal Navigations, Voyages, Traffiques and Discoveries of the English Nation — Volume 01 by Hakluyt, Richard