Menstruation
/ˌmɛnstrueɪˈeɪʃən/noun
The monthly shedding of the uterine lining, typically accompanied by bleeding.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from Latin mensis, “month,” and is linked to the same Indo-European root that gave English moon and month, showing how early cultures tied the cycle to celestial timekeeping.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*meh₂n̥s-
“moon, month”
Latin
Latin
mēnsis
“month”
Latin
Latin
menstruus
“monthly; occurring every month”
Latin
Latin
menstruātiō
“a monthly occurrence; menstruation”
Middle English
English
menstruacioun
“monthly bleeding or discharge”
Modern English
English
menstruation
“the monthly shedding of the uterine lining”