English Reference
Noun

scrotum

n.
C2 Proficiency UK /skɹˈəʊtəm/ scro·tum UK spelling scrotums Anatomy

n.the external part of the body that holds the testicles. It is a skin-covered sac that helps keep the testicles at a temperature lower than the rest of the body.

n.the external scrotal sac containing the testes, which is essential for the production of sperm. It is a specialized structure that regulates temperature through muscular contraction and relaxation.


SIMPLE

The scrotum contains the testicles.

CONTEXTUAL

The scrotum is sensitive to temperature changes, which is why it hangs outside the body to keep the testicles cool.

COMPLEX

In many mammals, the scrotum is a secondary sexual characteristic that develops during puberty to facilitate the maturation of spermatozoa in a thermally regulated environment.

With intermediate levels of either androgens or androgen receptivity, an embryo will form a phallus—a penis or clitoris—of intermediate length, along with a structure intermediate between labia and a scrotum.

Phys.org· 19 Aug 2026

Learned borrowing from Latin scrōtum.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C2 · Proficiency
Frequency Occasional
Updated