orgasm

[awr-gaz-uh m] /ˈɔr gæz əm/
noun
1.
the physical and emotional sensation experienced at the peak of sexual excitation, usually resulting from stimulation of the sexual organ and usually accompanied in the male by ejaculation.
2.
an instance of experiencing this.
3.
intense or unrestrained excitement.
4.
an instance or occurrence of such excitement.
verb (used without object)
5.
to have an orgasm.
Origin
1640-50; < Neo-Latin orgasmus < Greek orgasmós, derivative of orgân to swell, be excited
Related forms
orgasmic, orgastic, adjective
nonorgasmic, adjective
postorgasmic, adjective
postorgastic, adjective
superorgasm, noun
Can be confused
organism, orgasm.
British Dictionary definitions for orgasm

orgasm

/ˈɔːɡæzəm/
noun
1.
the most intense point during sexual excitement, characterized by extremely pleasurable sensations and in the male accompanied by ejaculation of semen
2.
(rare) intense or violent excitement
Derived Forms
orgasmic, orgastic, adjective
Word Origin
C17: from New Latin orgasmus, from Greek orgasmos, from organ to mature, swell
Word Origin and History for orgasm
n.

1680s, "sexual climax," from French orgasme or Modern Latin orgasmus, from Greek orgasmos "excitement, swelling," from organ "be in heat, become ripe for," literally "to swell, be excited," related to orge "impulse, excitement, anger," from PIE root *wrog- "to burgeon, swell with strength" (cf. Sanskrit urja "a nourishment, sap, vigor," Old Irish ferc, ferg "anger"). Also used 17c. of other violent excitements of emotion or other bodily functions.

v.

1973, originally and usually in reference to a woman's sexual climax, from orgasm (n.). Related: Orgasmed; orgasming.

orgasm in Medicine

orgasm or·gasm (ôr'gāz'əm)
n.
The highest point of sexual excitement, marked by strong feelings of pleasure and marked normally by ejaculation of semen by the male and by vaginal contractions within the female. Also called climax.

or·gas'mic (ôr-gāz'mĭk) adj.
orgasm in Science
orgasm
  (ôr'gāz'əm)   
The peak of sexual excitement, characterized by strong feelings of pleasure and bv a series of involuntary contractions of the muscles of the genitals, usually accompanied by the ejaculation of semen by the male.
Encyclopedia Article for orgasm

climactic physiological state of heightened sexual excitement and gratification that is followed by relaxation of sexual tensions and the body's muscles.

Learn more about orgasm with a free trial on Britannica.com