Menses
/ˈmɛn.siːz/noun
The monthly discharge of blood and mucosal tissue from the inner lining of the uterus in women.
Did you know?The word 'menses' is derived from a term meaning 'month', linking it to the lunar cycle and ancient fertility rituals.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*men-
“to measure, month.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
μήν (mēn)
“month, referring to the lunar cycle.”
Latin
Latin
mensis
“month; used in reference to the monthly cycle.”
Old French
Old French
menses
“the monthly period of bleeding.”
Modern English
English
menses
“the monthly discharge of blood from the uterus.”
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