▪ I. hymen2
(ˈhaɪmən)
[a. Gr. ὑµήν, ὑµένος thin skin, membrane. Cf. F. hymen (Paré 16th c.).]
1. Anat. The virginal membrane, a fold of mucous membrane stretched across and partially closing the external orifice of the vagina.
| 1615 Crooke Body of Man 235 Let vs set downe..the true History of the Hymen. 1704 J. Harris Lex. Techn., Hymen, is a circular Folding of the inner Membrane of the Vagina. 1789 Baillie in Phil. Trans. LXXIX. 76 The existence of the hymen..becomes a collateral confirmation of the same opinion. 1807 M. Baillie Morb. Anat. (ed. 7) 392 The hymen was perfect; and the uterus had not received that increase of bulk which is usual at puberty. |
† 2. Bot. (See quot.) Obs.
| 1727–41 Chambers Cycl., Hymen is..used by botanists for a fine delicate skin, wherewith flowers are inclosed while in the bud, and which bursts as the flower blows or opens. 1730–6 in Bailey (folio). 1818 in Todd; and in later dicts. |
3. Conch. The ligament between the opposite valves of a bivalve shell.
4. Comb., as hymen-like adj.
| 1889 J. M. Duncan Lect. Dis. Wom. xv. (ed. 4) 108 A diaphragm or hymen-like membranous dissepiment. |
▪ II. hymen
var. hemen pron., Obs., them.