menstruation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal/Technical
Quick answer
What does “menstruation” mean?
The monthly discharge of blood and mucosal tissue from the uterus in women of reproductive age.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The monthly discharge of blood and mucosal tissue from the uterus in women of reproductive age.
The cyclical physiological process marking fertility; often used metaphorically to describe any regular, recurrent event.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No spelling differences; minor pronunciation variations in vowel quality and stress.
Connotations
Neutral medical term in both varieties; societal openness may vary, with slightly more public discussion in American contexts.
Frequency
Equally common in medical, academic, and health-related contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “menstruation” in a Sentence
to experience menstruationto talk about menstruationto start menstruatingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “menstruation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She began to menstruate at the age of thirteen.
American English
- She started menstruating when she was thirteen.
adverb
British English
- Her symptoms vary menstrually each cycle.
American English
- The pain fluctuates menstrually for some women.
adjective
British English
- Menstrual cramps can be alleviated with heat therapy.
American English
- She uses menstrual products like tampons or pads.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used except in industries related to feminine hygiene or healthcare products.
Academic
Common in biology, medicine, anthropology, and women's studies courses.
Everyday
Often replaced with euphemisms like 'period' or 'monthly' in casual conversation.
Technical
Precise term used in medical diagnostics, research papers, and clinical settings.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “menstruation”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “menstruation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “menstruation”
- Misspelling as 'menstration'
- Mispronouncing by omitting the 'u' sound, e.g., /mɛnˈstreɪʃən/
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Menstruation is the monthly process where the uterus sheds its lining, resulting in bleeding through the vagina in women of reproductive age.
Menstruation typically begins during puberty, between ages 10 and 16, with the average age around 12.
Yes, it is a formal and clinical term; in informal settings, people often use 'period' to avoid medical jargon.
In British English, it is pronounced /ˌmɛn.struˈeɪ.ʃən/, with stress on the third syllable.
The monthly discharge of blood and mucosal tissue from the uterus in women of reproductive age.
Menstruation is usually formal/technical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “time of the month”
- “that time of the month”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Link 'men' to 'month' and 'struation' to 'stration' (as in administration), implying a monthly regulated process.
Conceptual Metaphor
Menstruation is a natural cycle, akin to lunar phases or seasonal renewal.
Practice
Quiz
Which term is a formal synonym for 'menstruation'?