testis

[tes-tis]

noun

Anatomy, Zoology.

plural

testes 

1. the male gonad or reproductive gland, either of the two oval glands located in the scrotum, commonly referred to as a testicle.

testis

/ ˈtɛstɪs /

noun

1. another word for testicle

testis

plural

testes 

1. The primary reproductive organ of male animals, in which sperm and the male sex hormones (androgens) are produced. In most vertebrates, the testes are contained inside the body. In many mammals, however, the testes are enclosed in an external scrotum.

Word History and Origins

Origin of testis¹

First recorded 1675–85; from Latin: “witness, spectator, testicle”; the sense “male gonad” is a loan translation from Greek parastátēs “bystander, supporter (at law),” in medical usage (in the dual and plural) “the (pair of) glands lying side by side, the testicles” (equivalent to para- para- ¹ ( def. ) + the combining form -statēs, from histánai “to make stand.”) Compare Greek prostátēs “one who stands in front, ruler,” in medical usage “the gland lying in front, the prostate ( def. ) ”

Word History and Origins

Origin of testis¹

C17: from Latin, literally: witness (to masculinity)

Related Words

• family jewels 
• testicles www.thesaurus.com