Coitus

/ˈkoʊɪtəs/ noun

Definition

Sexual intercourse between two people, a formal medical or scientific term.

Etymology

From Latin 'coitus,' past participle of 'coire' meaning 'to go together' or 'to come together.' Combined from 'co-' (together) and 'ire' (to go). Used in medical and academic contexts since medieval times.

Kelly Says

The word 'coitus' comes from the same Latin root as 'exit' and 'recess'—all about movement or coming together—showing how Latin's precise roots were used in formal medical language to discuss all bodily functions clinically.

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