hemipenis

English

Etymology

From hemi- +‎ penis.

Pronunciation
  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈhɛ.mɪ.piː.nɪs/

Noun
Everted hemipenis of a North American rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus).

hemipenis (plural hemipenes or hemipenises)

  1. (zoology) Each of a pair of intromittent organs of male snakes and lizards, usually held inverted within the body but everted for reproduction via erectile tissue.
    • 1985, Peter Carey, Illywhacker, Faber and Faber, published 2003, page 475:
      Charles […] found her stroking the goanna in such a way – no one else could do it – that its pale hemipenes emerged pale and spiky from their sheaths.

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