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Definition of menses

menses

/ˈmɛn.siːz/
men · ses
Plural:menses
•
Adjective:menstrual
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menses Lexical Profile

menses Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The monthly discharge of blood and mucosal tissue from the inner lining of the uterus through the vagina, or the time during which this cyclical physiological process occurs.

Example

"The gynecologist asked the patient to track the exact onset and duration of her menses over the next three months."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for menses

Word Nuance & Usage

Although 'menses' is morphologically a plural noun, in modern clinical and everyday usage it is frequently treated as either a singular or plural mass noun.

• Nearby Words

menorah
mensa
mensch
menses
menstrual
menstrually
menstruate

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century directly from Latin 'menses', the plural of 'mensis' ('month'), referring to the monthly cycle of menstruation.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Menses. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/menses
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