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Definition of prurience - 3 dictionary results

pru⋅ri⋅ent

  [proor-ee-uhnt]
Use prurience in a Sentence
–adjective
1. having, inclined to have, or characterized by lascivious or lustful thoughts, desires, etc.
2. causing lasciviousness or lust.
3. having a restless desire or longing.
Origin:
1630–40; < L prūrient- (s. of prūriēns), prp. of prūrīre to itch

Related forms:
pru⋅ri⋅ence, pru⋅ri⋅en⋅cy, noun
pru⋅ri⋅ent⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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pru·ri·ent   (prŏŏr'ē-ənt)   
adj.  

  1. Inordinately interested in matters of sex; lascivious.

    1. Characterized by an inordinate interest in sex: prurient thoughts.

    2. Arousing or appealing to an inordinate interest in sex: prurient literature.


[Latin prūriēns, prūrient-, present participle of prūrīre, to yearn for, itch; see preus- in Indo-European roots.]
pru'ri·ence, pru'ri·en·cy n., pru'ri·ent·ly adv.
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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Main Entry: pru·ri·ent
Pronunciation: 'prur-E-&nt
Function: adjective
: marked by or arousing an unwholesome sexual interest or desire —pru·ri·ent·ly adverb
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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