gonad
gonad Lexical Profile
gonad Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A primary reproductive organ, specifically a testis in males or an ovary in females, that produces gametes (sperm or ova) and sex hormones.
"During embryonic development, the undifferentiated gonad eventually develops into either an ovary or a testis."
A testicle (typically used in the plural in informal or slang contexts).
"The soccer player doubled over in pain after taking a direct hit to the gonads."
Word Nuance & Usage
While scientifically referring to either ovaries or testes, in casual or slang usage the plural 'gonads' is almost exclusively used to refer to the male testicles.
• Rhymes for gonad
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the late 19th century as a scientific term from Modern Latin 'gonas' (genitive 'gonadis'), ultimately derived from Ancient Greek 'gone' meaning 'seed, offspring, or generation'.