labia majora

1 7.3

Two outer folds of skin at the sides of the female genitals that protect inner, more delicate parts

noun
/ˈleɪbiə məˈdʒɔːrə/

Specialized

: labios mayores

In anatomy class, we learned that the labia majora protect the more delicate structures of the vulva.

Examples

The labia majora protect the internal structures of the vulva.
During the examination, the surgeon noted the health of her labia majora.
During the examination, the doctor observed that the labia majora appeared healthy and normal.
Some individuals may notice natural differences in the size or shape of their labia majora.
The labia majora protect the more delicate structures of the vulva.
During a gynecological exam, the doctor examined the labia majora carefully.
The doctor explained that the labia majora are the outer folds of skin surrounding the vulva.

Surface Forms

labia majora singular

labia majoras plural

Morphology

labium + majora

The phrase is compositional: 'labia' (plural of labium, lip-like anatomical structures) combined with 'majora' (Latin for 'larger/greater') yields 'larger labia' — i.e. the outer folds. This follows a regular anatomical naming pattern and is therefore directly inferable by a learner who knows both constituents, though the Latin form may look unfamiliar to some.

Etymology

Labia majora comes from Latin and simply means 'larger lips'. The word labia is the plural of labium ('lip') and majora means 'larger', so the name describes the outer, larger folds of skin that protect the inner parts of the vulva.