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intercourse - 6 dictionary results

in⋅ter⋅course

  [in-ter-kawrs, -kohrs]
Use intercourse in a Sentence
–noun
1. dealings or communication between individuals, groups, countries, etc.
2. interchange of thoughts, feelings, etc.
3. sexual relations or a sexual coupling, esp. coitus.
Origin:
1425–75; late ME intercurse < ML intercursus communication, trading, L: a running between. See inter-, course

Synonyms:
1. trade, traffic, relations.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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in·ter·course   (ĭn'tər-kôrs', -kōrs')   
n.  
  1. Dealings or communications between persons or groups.
  2. Sexual intercourse.

[Middle English entercours, commercial dealings, from Old French entrecours, from Latin intercursus, a running between, interposition, from past participle of intercurrere, to mingle with : inter-, inter- + currere, to run; see kers- in Indo-European roots.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Intercourse

In"ter*course\, n. [Formerly entercourse, OF. entrecours commerce, exchange, F. entrecours a reciprocal right on neighboring lands, L. intercursus a running between, fr. intercurrere to run between. See Inter-, and Course.] A commingling; intimate connection or dealings between persons or nations, as in common affairs and civilities, in correspondence or trade; communication; commerce; especially, interchange of thought and feeling; association; communion.

This sweet intercourse Of looks and smiles. --Milton.

Sexual intercourse, sexual or carnal connection; coition.

Syn: Communication; connection; commerce; communion; fellowship; familiarity; acquaintance.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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Language Translation for : intercourse
Spanish: relación sexual,
German: der Verkehr,
Japanese: 性交
More Translations »

intercourse 
1449, "communication to and fro," from M.Fr. entrecours, from L. intercursus "a running between, intervention," from intercursus, pp. of intercurrere "to run between," from inter- "between" + currere "to run" (see current). Meaning "sexual relations" first recorded 1798.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Main Entry: in·ter·course
Pronunciation: 'int-&r-"kO(&)rs, -"ko(&)rs
Function: noun
1 : connection or dealings betweenpersons or groups
2 : physical sexual contact between individuals that involves the genitalia of at least one person intercourse> intercourse> intercourse>; especially : SEXUAL INTERCOURSE 1
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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intercourse in·ter·course (ĭn'tər-kôrs')
n.

  1. Dealings or communications that occur between persons or groups.
  2. Sexual intercourse.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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