"copulation," 1713, scientific L., from coition (1615) "sexual intercourse" (also in coitu), originally "coming together" (1541), from L.L. coitionem (nom. coitio), from pp. stem of L. coire, from co- "together" + ire "come, go." Used in Eng. in general senses of "meeting, uniting," and also of magnetic force, planetary conjunction, etc., before sexual sense came to predominate. Coitus interruptus coined 1900 by Havelock Ellis.
Main Entry: co·itus Pronunciation: 'kO-&t-&s, kO-'Et- Function: noun : physical union of male and female genitalia accompanied by rhythmicmovements leading to the ejaculation of semen from the penis into the female reproductive tract; also:INTERCOURSE2 —compare ORGASM —co·ital/-&t-&l, -'Et-/adjective —co·ital·ly/-&l-E/adverb
Main Entry: pre·co·i·tal Pronunciation: -'kO-&t-&l, -kO-'Et- Function: adjective : used or occurring before coitus
coitus co·i·tus (kō'ĭ-təs, kō-ē'-) n. Sexual union between a male and a female involving insertion of the penis into the vagina. Also called coition, copulation.
[koh-i-tuh
s] 