testis

[tes-tis]

noun

Anatomy, Zoology.

plural

testes 

1. the male gonad or reproductive gland, either of the two oval glands located in the scrotum, commonly referred to as a testicle.

testis

/ ˈtɛstɪs /

noun

1. another word for testicle

testis

plural

testes 

1. The primary reproductive organ of male animals, in which sperm and the male sex hormones (androgens) are produced. In most vertebrates, the testes are contained inside the body. In many mammals, however, the testes are enclosed in an external scrotum.

Word History and Origins

Origin of testis¹

First recorded 1675–85; from Latin: “witness, spectator, testicle”; the sense “male gonad” is a loan translation from Greek parastátēs “bystander, supporter (at law),” in medical usage (in the dual and plural) “the (pair of) glands lying side by side, the testicles” (equivalent to para- para- ¹ ( def. ) + the combining form -statēs, from histánai “to make stand.”) Compare Greek prostátēs “one who stands in front, ruler,” in medical usage “the gland lying in front, the prostate ( def. ) ”

Word History and Origins

Origin of testis¹

C17: from Latin, literally: witness (to masculinity)

Example Sentences

If a human embryo has XY chromosomes the SRY gene leads to the formation of testes, which then produce hormones including testosterone that lead to male development - and can increase muscle mass and strength.

From BBC

The masculinity crisis seizing our land saw surprising numbers of Gen Z men break conservative to vote Trump back to office and, before that, a push for testes tanning.

From Salon

In the brain, sexual differentiation starts before birth and results from a combination of sex chromosomes in brain tissue, sex hormones produced by the testes or ovaries and the environment.

From Salon

Previous research has shown that STK33 is enriched in the testis and is specifically required for the formation of functional sperm.

From Science Daily

Over the past couple of decades researchers have found that long-distance signaling goes beyond a few glands and organs—the pancreas, thyroid, testes, and ovaries—that spill out familiar hormones such as insulin and testosterone.

From Science Magazine

Related Words

• family jewels 
• testicles www.thesaurus.com