testis

American  

[tes-tis] / ˈtɛs tɪs /

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.

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testis British  

/ ˈtɛstɪs /

noun

1. another word for testicle

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testis Scientific  

/ tĕs′tĭs /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of testis

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. ) ”

Example Sentences

In the cell, it binds to other DNA, leading to testis formation, according to the National Library of Medicine.

From Los Angeles Times

Four additional genes are active only in the testis and are essential for sperm production.

From Science Daily

On average, the optimal temperature of the testes - where sperm is stored - should be two to four degrees lower than the average body temperature of 37 degrees.

From BBC

Instead, a subtle form of natural selection within the testes appears to give certain mutations a reproductive advantage, allowing them to become more common during sperm formation.

From Science Daily

If a human embryo has XY chromosomes the SRY gene leads to the formation of testes, which then produce hormones including testosterone that lead to male development - and can increase muscle mass and strength.

From BBC

Related Words

• family jewels
• testicles