glans

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "glans" is correct and usable in written English, particularly in medical or anatomical contexts.
It can be used when referring to the rounded tip of certain organs, such as the penis or clitoris, in discussions about human anatomy or sexual health. Example: "The glans is highly sensitive and plays a significant role in sexual arousal."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

The glans penis of the male Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), the bandicoot, and some other species is bifid (i.e., with two equal tips), correlated with the paired vaginas of females.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Glans, genus of small pelecypods (clams) especially characteristic of the Miocene Epoch (between 23.7 and 5.3 million years ago).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The slender corpus spongiosum reaches beyond the extremities of the erectile corpora cavernosa and at its outer end is enlarged considerably to form a soft, conical, sensitive structure called the glans penis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A median fold, the frenulum of the prepuce, passes to the undersurface of the glans to reach a point just behind the urethral opening.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These continue through the body of the penis, occupying the sides and upper portion directly above the corpus spongiosum; they terminate immediately before the glans penis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The only anomaly of the foreskin is congenital phimosis, characterized by a contracture of the foreskin, or prepuce, which prevents its retraction over the glans (the conical structure that forms the head of the penis); the preputial opening may impede the flow of urine.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

The French Revolution, however, gave impetus to political writing, and among those it influenced was John Jones (Jac Glan-y-gors).

Encyclopedia Britannica

More originality was shown by Evan Evans (Ieuan Glan Geirionydd), who founded the Eryri school of poetry, inspired by the scenery of Snowdonia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Their commissions featured bold angular forms and open complex series of spaces, as demonstrated in their conversion of a legal office's attic space (1983 88) in Vienna and their addition to the Funder Factory (1988) in St. Veit an der Glan, Austria.

Encyclopedia Britannica

November 10, 1766 Glanygors, Wales May 21, 1821 London, England John Jones, pseudonym Jac Glan-y-gors (born Nov. 10, 1766, Glanygors near Cerrig-y-Druidion Cerrig-y-Druidion Cerrig-y-Druidion821, LonDenbighshireanguage satirical poet and social reformer Wales died the iMay 21of the French Revolution, produced some of the earliest Welsh political writings.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Last month, the board's chief executive, Prof Trevor Purt, said he was "extremely sorry" for the treatment of some patients at the Tawel Fan ward of Glan Clwyd hospital in Denbighshire, which he described as shocking.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a general audience, consider using simpler terms like "tip" or "head" instead of "glans" to improve clarity and avoid potential discomfort.

Common error

Avoid using the term "glans" metaphorically or in contexts unrelated to anatomy. Its specific anatomical meaning can cause confusion or be perceived as inappropriate if used outside its intended context.

Linguistic Context

The word "glans" functions primarily as a noun, specifically referring to a rounded anatomical structure. Ludwig examples show it describing both the tip of the penis (glans penis) and the homologous structure in females (glans clitoridis).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

44%

News & Media

42%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "glans" is a noun primarily used to denote a specific anatomical structure – the tip of the penis (glans penis) or the homologous structure in females (glans clitoridis). According to Ludwig, its function is to provide a precise anatomical reference, and it is generally regarded as formal and scientific. While grammatically correct and frequently employed in encyclopedias, news/media, and scientific contexts, it's best to use simpler terms in general conversation for clarity. When writing, avoid misusing "glans" in non-anatomical contexts to prevent confusion or misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

head of the penis

Commonly used synonym for the glans penis.

tip of the penis

Focuses specifically on the anatomical location within the male anatomy.

tip of the clitoris

Direct synonym referring to the clitoral anatomy.

clitoral head

Refers specifically to the homologous structure in the female anatomy.

penile head

A more descriptive term for the glans penis.

distal end of the penis

Uses more formal anatomical terminology to describe the location.

acorn of the penis

Emphasizes the shape resemblance.

extremity of the clitoris

A more clinical way to refer to the clitoral glans.

end of the corpus spongiosum

Pinpoints a particular anatomical structure.

sensitive tip

Highlights the sensory function, not specific anatomy.

FAQs

How is the term "glans" typically used in a sentence?

The term "glans" is used to refer to a specific anatomical structure, such as "The "glans penis" is the sensitive tip of the penis" or "The "glans clitoridis" is the exposed part of the clitoris".

What are some alternative terms I can use instead of "glans"?

Depending on the context, you can use terms such as "tip of the penis" or "head of the clitoris". For more general audiences, "tip" or "head" may suffice.

Is it appropriate to use the word "glans" in everyday conversation?

While anatomically correct, "glans" is a clinical term. Using it in casual conversation may be perceived as overly formal or even inappropriate depending on the social setting and audience. Simpler terms are generally preferred.

What is the difference between "glans penis" and ""glans clitoridis""?

"Glans penis" refers to the tip of the penis, while ""glans clitoridis"" refers to the exposed portion of the clitoris. They are homologous structures, meaning they share a common origin but differ in function and anatomy.