Vulva

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈvÊŒlvÉ™/

Origin

From Latin vulva, earlier volva ("womb, female sexual organ"), probably from volvare ("to turn, wrap around"). Akin to Sanskrit (ulva, "womb").

Full definition of vulva

Noun

1. (anatomy) The external female sexual organs, collectively.

Usage notes

Vagina is often used to refer to the vulva or female genitals generally, even though strictly speaking the vagina is a wholly internal structure. Calling the vulva the vagina is rather like calling the lips the mouth or throat.

Hypernyms

• genitals

Synonyms

Derived terms

Related terms