vulva

[vuhl-vuh] /ˈvʌl və/
noun, plural vulvae
[vuhl-vee] /ˈvʌl vi/ (Show IPA),
vulvas. Anatomy
1.
the external female genitalia.
Origin
1540-50; < Latin
Related forms
vulval, vulvar, adjective
vulviform
[vuhl-vuh-fawrm] /ˈvʌl vəˌfɔrm/ (Show IPA),
vulvate
[vuhl-veyt, -vit] /ˈvʌl veɪt, -vɪt/ (Show IPA),
adjective
nonvulval, adjective
nonvulvar, adjective
British Dictionary definitions for vulva

vulva

/ˈvʌlvə/
noun (pl) -vae (-viː), -vas
1.
the external genitals of human females, including the labia, mons veneris, clitoris, and the vaginal orifice
Derived Forms
vulval, vulvar, vulvate (ˈvʌlveɪt) adjective
vulviform (ˈvʌlvɪˌfɔːm) adjective
Word Origin
C16: from Latin: covering, womb, matrix
Word Origin and History for vulva
n.

1540s, from Latin vulva, earlier volva "womb, female sexual organ," literally "wrapper," from volvere "to turn, twist, roll, revolve," also "turn over in the mind," from PIE root *wel- "to turn, revolve," with derivatives referring to curved, enclosing objects (see volvox).

vulva in Medicine

vulva vul·va (vŭl'və)
n. pl. vul·vae (-vē)
The external genital organs of the female, including the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and vestibule of the vagina.


vul'val or vul'var (-vər, -vär') adj.
vulva in Science
vulva
  (vŭl'və)   
Plural vulvas or vulvae (vŭl'vē')
The external genitals of female mammals, including the labia and clitoris.
vulva in Culture
vulva [(vul-vuh)]

The external organs of the female reproductive system.

Encyclopedia Article for vulva

the external female genitalia that surround the opening to the vagina; collectively these consist of the labia majora, the labia minora, clitoris, vestibule of the vagina, bulb of the vestibule, and the glands of Bartholin. All of these organs are located in front of the anus and below the mons pubis (the pad of fatty tissue at the forward junction of the pelvic bones)

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