hymen

Definition

A thin, elastic membrane stretched partly or completely across the entrance of the vagina (vestibule). It has no known biological function. An intact hymen has long and erroneously been considered the hallmark of female virginity. The presence or absence of the hymen is no proof of virginity or its opposite; the hymen can be broken in the normal course of physical activities when the body is stretched strenuously, as in athletics, sports or exercises. It may be absent, small, thin and pliant, or, more rarely, tough and dense, completely blocking the vaginal entrance; it varies in size, shape and thickness from woman to woman. If it is too resistant to tearing it may require a small surgical incision, hymenotomy , or even removal, hymenectomy , before vaginal intercourse can take place.
There are four types:
-- 1. the annular hymen , comprises a single large opening;
-- 2. a septate hymen, has two semicircular openings separated by a vertical fold of tissue in the middle;
-- 3. a cribriform hymen, has multiple small openings;
-- 4. an imperforate hymen, has no opening. This last type is rare.
ETYMOLOGY: Late Latin hymên , from Greek humên , thin skin or membrane; entered standard English in the 17 ^th century. Hymen was also the Greek god of marriage.
SYNONYMS: bean; bride's pride; bride's proof; buster; cherry; cherry blossom; crust; darling treasure; delicate tissue; doorkeeper; flower; hymenal ring; issue over tissue; jewel; jewel without price; Judys tea cup; maid's ring; maiden gear; maidenhead; maiden ring; perishable commodity; pipkin; ring; tail fence; tail gate; virgin flower; virgin head (virginhead); virgin knot; virgin membrane; virginal membrane; virginity.
SEE ALSO: cracked pitcher; deflower; deflowered; lost her honor; virgo intacta.

QUOTES: From Encyclopedia of Graffiti by Robert Reisner & Lorraine Wechsler (1974):-- ' Cure virgnity.'-- ' Carry me back to old virginity.'-- ' I'm a virgin, but I'm on the verge.'-- ' Help stamp out hymens.'