pudendum
Americannoun
noun
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
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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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
She points out that the medical term "pudenda" which describes the outside of the vulva, comes from the Latin "pudet", which means "it shames".
From BBC ● Nov. 7, 2019
They propose, according to the stage directions, to make themselves, subligacula a folis quibus tegamus pudenda, cover their nakedness with leaves and converse with God.
From A History of Pantomime by Broadbent, R. J.
Alston says, "The green herb—seeds and all—stinks intolerably of bugs"; and Hoffman admonishes, "Si largius sumptura fuerit semen non sine periculo e suâ sede et statu demovet, et qui sumpsere varia dictu pudenda blaterant."
From Herbal Simples Approved for Modern Uses of Cure by Fernie, William Thomas
The uterus contained a fetus three or four months old, with the membranes intact, the maternal death being due to the varicosity of the pregnant pudenda, the slight injury being sufficient to produce fatal hemorrhage.
From Anomalies and Curiosities of Medicine by Pyle, Walter L. (Walter Lytle)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
