The peak of physical pleasure and intense muscular contractions experienced during sexual activity.
From Greek 'orgasmós,' meaning 'swelling' or 'excitement,' derived from 'organ,' meaning 'to swell.' The term entered medical English in the 1600s.
The Greek root 'organ' originally just meant 'to swell,' but scientists chose this word to describe the physiological response because it involves increased blood flow and physical swelling throughout the body.
Medical and popular discourse historically centered male orgasm as the 'default' sexual response, marginalizing female pleasure. Early sex science pathologized women's sexuality, making 'orgasm' a gendered biomedical construct.
Use anatomically precise language: 'orgasmic response,' 'sexual pleasure,' or 'climax.' Acknowledge diverse bodies and sexualities; avoid singular/normative frameworks.
["sexual climax","sexual pleasure","orgasmic response"]
Feminist sexology and women researchers (e.g., Masters & Johnson, Emily Nagoski) restored women's pleasure as legitimate; centering their work corrects male-centered bias in language.
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