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Glite Dictionary
hemipenis

hemipenis

1 9.9
One of two male sex organs in some reptiles like snakes and lizards
  • noun
  • /ˌhɛmɪˈpiːnɪs/
  • Specialized
: hemipene
  • Researchers discovered differences in the structure of the hemipenis among various reptile species.

Examples

  • The male snake's hemipenis is crucial for reproduction, as it plays a key role during mating.

  • The biologist carefully examined the hemipenis of the lizard during the study.

  • Male snakes possess a hemipenis on each side of their body for reproduction.

  • The male snake has a pair of hemipenes.

  • During mating, the hemipenis is everted.

  • During dissection, the researcher observed the structure of the hemipenis in various lizard species.

  • Each hemipenis of the male iguana is equipped with spines to aid in securing the female during copulation.

Surface Forms

hemipenis singular
hemipenes plural

Morphology

hemipenis = penis (semi-transparent) = hemi + penis

The scientific combining form 'hemi-' (= 'half') plus 'penis' yields the biological sense 'one of a paired organ', which is derivable for learners familiar with scientific prefixes but may be unclear to others.

Etymology

Hemipenis comes from the prefix hemi- meaning 'half', as in hemisphere, and penis meaning 'male organ', so it means a 'half penis' and refers to one of the two male reproductive organs that many snakes and lizards have.