corpus cavernosum: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Medical, anatomical, formal technical
Quick answer
What does “corpus cavernosum” mean?
One of two cylindrical erectile tissues in the penis (or homologous structure in the clitoris) that fill with blood during sexual arousal, causing erection.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
One of two cylindrical erectile tissues in the penis (or homologous structure in the clitoris) that fill with blood during sexual arousal, causing erection.
Any of the major spongy erectile tissues in the genitals of male mammals. The term can also be applied metaphorically to describe any cavernous, blood-filled structure in anatomy, though this is rare.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. Spelling adheres to regional Latin conventions, but both use 'corpus cavernosum'.
Connotations
Purely anatomical/medical in both varieties. No colloquial use.
Frequency
Equally rare in general discourse, but standard in equivalent medical/biological contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “corpus cavernosum” in a Sentence
The corpus cavernosum (of the [body part])corpora cavernosacorpus cavernosum + verb (e.g., fills, relaxes, contracts)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “corpus cavernosum” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The corpus cavernosum arteries are crucial.
- The corpus cavernosum tissue was examined.
American English
- The corpus cavernosum arteries are crucial.
- The corpus cavernosum tissue was examined.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical, biological, and anatomical textbooks, research papers, and lectures.
Everyday
Extremely rare; only in detailed discussions of human sexuality or specific medical conditions.
Technical
The primary context. Used in urology, andrology, surgery, and sexual medicine.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “corpus cavernosum”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “corpus cavernosum”
- Incorrect singular/plural: using 'corpus cavernosum' for the plural (correct is 'corpora cavernosa').
- Misspelling 'cavernosum' as 'cavernousum' or 'cavernosa'.
- Using it as a countable noun without specification: 'He injured a corpus cavernosum.' (Better: '... the corpus cavernosum.')
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is singular. The plural is 'corpora cavernosa'.
Yes, the clitoris contains homologous erectile tissue called the corpora cavernosa of the clitoris.
It would be highly unusual. Terms like 'erectile tissue' or simply referring to the 'penis' are used in non-technical contexts.
The corpus cavernosum (two structures) are the main erectile bodies. The corpus spongiosum (one structure) surrounds the urethra and forms the glans.
One of two cylindrical erectile tissues in the penis (or homologous structure in the clitoris) that fill with blood during sexual arousal, causing erection.
Corpus cavernosum is usually medical, anatomical, formal technical in register.
Corpus cavernosum: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɔː.pəs ˌkæv.əˈnəʊ.səm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɔːr.pəs ˌkæv.ɚˈnoʊ.səm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'corpus' (body) that becomes a 'cavern' (cavernous) when filled. It's the cavernous body that fills up.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SPONGE/LACUNA filling with fluid (blood). A PRESSURIZED CHAMBER.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of the corpus cavernosum?