Vulva Meaning
/ˈvʌlvə/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe external female genitalia of humans and other placental mammals, which includes the clitoris, labia, and vulval vestibule/vulvar opening.
nounA protrusion on the side of a nematode.
Sentence Examples
The vagina meets the external organs at the vulva.
The vulva is the outer part of the vagina.
CEFR Practice Quiz
During childbirth, the baby passes through the ____ after leaving the uterus.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
In medical terms, the ____ is the outer part of the female reproductive system that protects the inner organs today.
Word Origin & History
Learned borrowing from Latin vulva, earlier volva (“womb, female sexual organ”), probably from volvō (“to turn, wrap around”). Akin to Sanskrit उल्ब॑ (úlba) and उल्व॑ (úlva, “womb”) or English valve, valva and other descendants of the Latin term (evolve, involve, revolve).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"The vulvae of the sow were popular as a gourmet's dish. Credited with erotic effects."
— 1961, Harry E. Wedeck, Dictionary of Aphrodisiacs, New York: The Citadel Press, page 247:
"The wedge-shaped character was the triangle, the archaic Paleolithic sign of the vulva; the pubic triangle was at the end of the phallic stylus."
— 1981, William Irwin Thompson, The Time Falling Bodies Take to Light: Mythology, Sexuality and the Origins of Culture, London: Rider/Hutchinson & Co., page 22:
"Many of the less-sophisticated works are sexual in nature. Among the most common images are stylised vulvas, whole flocks of which appear on some cave walls."
— 2018, Tim Flannery, Europe: A Natural History, page 216:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
During childbirth, the baby passes through the ____ after leaving the uterus.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
In medical terms, the ____ is the outer part of the female reproductive system that protects the inner organs today.