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Glite Dictionary
erectile organ

erectile organ

7.3
An organ that fills with blood and becomes firm during sexual excitement, like the penis or clitoris
  • noun
  • /ɪˈrɛktaɪl ˈɔrɡən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : órgano eréctil
  • Most erectile organs function by filling with blood and becoming rigid during arousal.

Examples

  • The penis is the primary erectile organ in male mammals.

  • Researchers studied the structure of the clitoris as an erectile organ in female mammals.

  • The erectile organ is essential for sexual function.

  • Both men and women have erectile organs.

  • The penis is the primary erectile organ in male mammals.

  • Researchers studied the structure of the clitoris as an erectile organ in female mammals.

  • Both men and women have erectile organs that are vital for sexual health.

Surface Forms

erectile organ singular
erectile organs plural

Morphology

erectile + organ

The meaning 'an organ that becomes enlarged and firm due to blood flow' is directly and compositionally derived from 'erectile' (able to become erect) + 'organ' (a body part). Although the term is medical/technical, the adjective+noun structure is regular and would be understandable to a B1 learner who already knows both constituent words.

Etymology

Erectile organ combines erectile (meaning 'able to stand up') and organ (a body part). It names parts of the body that fill with blood and 'stand up' or become firm, so the phrase links directly to that physical change.