intimate area
1
6.3
- noun
- /ˈɪntɪmət ˈɛəriə/
- NSFW
- Avoid scented feminine protection, deodorant spray, or scented products in an intimate area.
Examples
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Doctors must be sensitive when discussing issues related to an individual's intimate area.
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Keeping the skin clean and moisturized is important for health in the intimate area.
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Certain medical procedures may involve examination of the intimate area.
Synonyms
24
6.5
The parts of the body that are used for sex and for passing urine
16
3.0
The parts of the body used for sex and peeing
3
5.1
The area between the legs where they join the body
1
6.3
The lower part of the belly just above the genitals
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase 'intimate area' is compositionally built from 'intimate' (private/sexual) + 'area' (a region), so its meaning 'private or sexual parts of the body' is directly inferable from the constituents. This is a common, cross-linguistic way to label private bodily regions, so a B1 learner who knows the two words would readily understand the MWE.
Etymology
Intimate area joins intimate, meaning 'private' or 'close', and area, meaning a part or place. People began using it to speak politely about body parts kept private, so today it means the 'private' or sensitive parts like the genitals.