Menses Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈmensɪzi/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A monthly discharge of blood from the uterus, occurring in human females as a natural part of the menstrual cycle.

Examples

• Many women experience symptoms such as cramps and bloating before their menses.
• The doctor instructed her patient to track her menses to monitor her reproductive health.

Synonyms

• Menstruation
• Period

Antonyms

• Pregnancy
• Menopause

Additional Information

Menses, or menstruation, is a natural biological process in women of reproductive age. It is a sign of the reproductive system’s readiness for pregnancy and is a crucial aspect of female health. Women typically menstruate between once a month to once every few months, depending on factors such as age, medication, and overall health.

While menses can cause physical and emotional discomfort, it is a normal and necessary part of reproductive life. Many women use hygiene products, such as sanitary pads or tampons, to manage their menses and maintain their daily routines.

Etymology

The word “menses” comes from the Latin “mensis,” meaning “month,” and has been used in the English language since the 15th century to refer to the monthly discharge of blood from the uterus.

Usage Notes

Menses is often used interchangeably with the term “menstruation,” but the two words have slightly different connotations. Menses is a more technical term that specifically refers to the act of shedding the uterine lining, while menstruation is a broader term that encompasses the entire process of bleeding and related symptoms.

Cultural References

Menses has been depicted in various forms of media, including literature, art, and film. For example, the novel “The Color Purple” by Alice Walker explores the experiences of women, including their menses and reproductive health.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

A woman on the rag

Related Words or Phrases

Menstruation, Period, Bleeding, Ovulation

Collocations

a woman on her period, menstruating during, having her period

Frequency of Use

Menses is a relatively rare word in everyday conversation, but it is commonly used in medical and educational contexts to discuss reproductive health and menstruation.

Common Misspellings

mensis, menze, mensine, mensies, mensee