Advertisement

Advertisement

phallus

[ fal-uhs ]

noun

, plural phal·li [fal, -ahy], phal·lus·es.
  1. an image of the male reproductive organ, especially that carried in procession in ancient festivals of Dionysus, or Bacchus, symbolizing the generative power in nature.
  2. Anatomy. the penis, the clitoris, or the sexually undifferentiated embryonic organ out of which either of these develops.


phallus

/ ˈfæləs /

noun

  1. See penis
    another word for penis
  2. an image of the penis, esp as a religious symbol of reproductive power


Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of phallus1

First recorded in 1605–15; from Latin, from Greek phallós “penis”; bull 1( def )

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of phallus1

C17: via Late Latin from Greek phallos

Discover More

Example Sentences

Lawrence being Lawrence, he finds special resonance in the stone symbols of the phallus and the womb.

But nobody can look at that diagram and think about anything other than an impressively sized phallus.

Recently, a Photoshopped picture of conservative pundit S.E. Cupp with a phallus in her mouth was printed in Hustler magazine.

They share the same last name, wavy hair, sly grin—and fascination with the phallus.

Pulling back his cloak, he shows off his giant phallus bearing forth a bushel of fruit.

Either way, Irwin sees an upside to the current, phallus-ridden version.

The Egyptians carried a gilt phallus, 150 cubits high, at the festivals of Osiris.

In Syria, at the entrance of the temple at Hieropolis, was placed a human figure with a phallus 120 cubits high.

The phallus was carried in procession for this purpose and the women dramatized the motive as searching for the god.

It is said that there are thirty million phalli in India and that a phallus is found in nearly every Hindu household.

Thus we see the phallus associated with the pine cone and other elements of vegetative life.

Advertisement

Word of the Day

petrichor

[pet-ri-kawr]

Meaning and examples

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


phallotoxinPham Van Dong