groin
UK[ɡrɔɪn]US[ɡrɔɪn]
n
the place where the legs meet the front of the body
n
a low wall or barrier built out into the sea from a beach to check erosion and drifting
Etymology
the word 'groin' has a somewhat obscure etymology, but it is believed to have evolved from the old english 'grynde', meaning 'abyss', 'depression', or 'ground'. this term was used to describe a hollow or deep place. over time, in middle english, the form shifted to 'grinde' or 'groyne', and its meaning specialized to refer to the hollow or depression where the legs join the torso. the later, unrelated architectural and engineering sense of a coastal barrier may have developed from the resemblance of such structures, when viewed in profile, to the curve of the human groin, or possibly through a separate dialectal evolution.
Analysis
this word is a simplex form. it is a loanword from middle english 'grinde' or 'grynde', likely of old english origin, referring to the depression or hollow. its functional role is as a complete lexical root.
Examples
he pulled a muscle in his groin while playing soccer.
the old sea wall was reinforced with a series of granite groins.
a sharp pain in her groin made walking difficult.