phimosis

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun an abnormal tightness of the foreskin preventing retraction over the glans

From Ancient Greek φίμωσις (phímōsis, “muzzling; contraction of the prepuce”), from φῑμόω (phīmóō, “to muzzle”) + -σις (-sis, nominal suffix).

Phimosis is common, and so are gastric complaints. — The North-West Amazons: Notes of some months spent among cannibal tribes, Thomas Whiffen
Pray, Sir, quoth my uncle Toby, in a manner which could not go unanswered,—in what condition is the boy?—’Twill end in a phimosis, replied Dr. Slop. I am no wiser than I was, quoth my uncle Toby—returning his pipe into his mouth.——Then let the corporal go on, said my father, with his medical lecture.—The corporal made a bow to his old friend, Dr. Slop, and then delivered his opinion concerning radical heat and radical moisture, in the following words. — The life and opinions of Tristram Shandy, gentleman, Laurence Sterne

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