groin

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Informal

n. a polite or indirect way to talk about a person's private parts.

n. a euphemistic reference to the external genitalia.

“The player accidentally kicked the ball into his opponent's groin.”

“The comedian made a series of crude jokes involving injuries to the groin, which the audience found surprisingly hilarious.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Architecture Technical

n. the curved edge where two arched ceilings meet each other.

n. the projecting solid angle or edge formed by the intersection of two vaults.

“The old cathedral features beautiful stone groins where the arches cross.”

“The architect carefully calculated the stress points at each groin to ensure the vaulted ceiling could support the weight of the roof.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun American English · Technical

n. a low wall built out into the sea to stop the sand from washing away.

n. a low wall or sturdy barrier built out into the sea from a beach to check erosion and drifting.

“The city built several wooden groins to protect the beach from the winter storms.”

“Environmentalists debated whether the installation of concrete groins would disrupt the local ecosystem while attempting to prevent coastal erosion.”

C2 · Proficiency Slang · Vulgar

v. to hit someone in the area between their legs.

v. to deliver a forceful blow to the genitals of another person.

“In the movie, the hero groins the villain to escape.”

“The fight ended abruptly when one participant managed to groin the other, leaving him incapacitated on the floor.”