menses
UK[ˈmɛnsiːz]US[ˈmɛnsiːz]
n
The flow of blood and other material from the lining of the uterus, occurring in women approximately every four weeks from puberty until menopause, except during pregnancy.
n
The period of menstruation.
Morpheme Breakdown
menses
menses
plural form
Etymology
The term 'menses' originates directly from the Latin plural noun 'menses', meaning 'months'. This Latin word itself derives from the Proto-Indo-European root 'me-', which signifies measurement, particularly of time, and is the source of words related to the moon and months across many languages. The logical connection is straightforward: the menstrual cycle was observed to be a monthly event, governed by the lunar cycle. Thus, the Latin word for 'months' was applied metaphorically to the monthly discharge, a usage that passed directly into medical and common English vocabulary.
Analysis
Structure: menses (plural form)
The word 'menses' is a simplex, directly borrowed from Latin. It is the plural of the Latin noun 'mensis', meaning 'month'. Its functional role is as a whole noun.
Examples
Her menses were irregular, so she decided to consult a doctor.
The onset of menses, or menarche, typically occurs during adolescence.
Some women experience discomfort and mood changes during their menses.