Word
semen
Phoneticsse·men, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsimən/
UK/sˈiːmən/
Uncountable noun
In Japanese
semen; seminal fluid; sperm
唯一の証拠は、下着に付着していた精液の痕跡。
The only evidence was the traces of semen stuck to the underwear. Tatoeba
Japanese from JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0. Example sentences from Tatoeba, CC BY 2.0 FR. All sources.
Definition
n. the thick, white fluid produced by males that contains the cells needed to make a baby.
n. the fluid produced by the male reproductive organs that carries sperm cells.
Examples
“The doctor tested the semen sample for fertility.”
“During the biology lecture, the professor explained how semen carries sperm cells to the egg.”
“Forensic investigators often look for traces of semen at a crime scene to extract DNA evidence that might identify a suspect.”
Examples
simple
“The doctor tested the semen sample for fertility.”
contextual
“During the biology lecture, the professor explained how semen carries sperm cells to the egg.”
complex
“Forensic investigators often look for traces of semen at a crime scene to extract DNA evidence that might identify a suspect.”
Usage
Usually uncountable in general use; countable only when referring to specific types or samples in a scientific context.
Real-World Examples
“Three years after his chemotherapy, tests showed he had no sperm in his semen.” “A review of 44 studies involving more than 60,000 men found that smoking was linked to reproductive dysfunction, including semen abnormalities and sexual dysfunction.” Etymology
From Middle English semen, from Latin sēmen (“seed”), from Proto-Indo-European *seh₁- (“to sow; plant”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Grade 1
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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