phallus

C2 Topic:The Human Body

US /ˈfæl.əs/ UK /ˈfæl.əs/ See IPA manual

Minimal pairs

Sounds like thallus /θ/ vs /f/

Freq #38824

Meanings

1

noun
formal, anatomical, or anthropological: the penis, especially when erect

The anatomical plate labels the developing phallus before sexual differentiation is complete.
2

noun
an image or representation of an erect penis, especially as a symbol of fertility, potency, or generative power

The ritual object was carved as a phallus symbolizing fertility.
3

noun
psychoanalysis: a symbolic signifier of desire, authority, or power, distinguished from the anatomical organ

The essay treats the phallus as a symbolic position rather than a bodily part.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 noun · formal, anatomical, or... penismale organ

2 noun · an image or representation... phallic symbolfertility symbol

3 noun · psychoanalysis: a symbolic... symbolic phallus

Word family

Forms phallic

Derived forms phallicphallicismphallectomy

Related forms lingamithyphallicfertility potency

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin phallus, from Greek phallos, 'penis or an image of one.' Classical religious and civic rites used phallic images as emblems of fertility and protective power. Modern anthropology, psychology, and literary theory extended the word from the organ and its representation to symbolic power and desire.

Topics

The Human Body

External links

# phallus

**Type:** Word
**Level:** C2
**Part of speech:** noun
**IPA (US):** /ˈfæl.əs/
**IPA (UK):** /ˈfæl.əs/
**Frequency rank:** 38824

## Meanings
1. formal, anatomical, or anthropological: the penis, especially when erect
2. an image or representation of an erect penis, especially as a symbol of fertility, potency, or generative power
3. psychoanalysis: a symbolic signifier of desire, authority, or power, distinguished from the anatomical organ

## Examples
- The anatomical plate labels the developing phallus before sexual differentiation is complete.
- The ritual object was carved as a phallus symbolizing fertility.
- The essay treats the phallus as a symbolic position rather than a bodily part.

## Synonyms
- penis
- male organ
- phallic symbol
- fertility symbol

## Derived Forms
- phallic
- phallicism
- phallectomy

## Related Forms
- lingam
- ithyphallic
- fertility
- potency

## Etymology
Borrowed from Latin phallus, from Greek phallos, 'penis or an image of one.' Classical religious and civic rites used phallic images as emblems of fertility and protective power. Modern anthropology, psychology, and literary theory extended the word from the organ and its representation to symbolic power and desire.

## Topics
- The Human Body

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