Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
priapism
noun
/ˈpraɪəˌpɪzəm/
Definition
Priapism is a medical condition characterized by an unwanted, prolonged erection that lasts for hours and is not associated with sexual desire or stimulation.
Examples
- After a long day at the office, he was shocked to discover he was experiencing priapism that wouldn’t subside.
- The doctors treated the patient’s priapism with medication to relieve the prolonged erection.
Meaning
The condition occurs when blood becomes trapped in the penis and does not return to normal circulation, leading to swelling and discomfort.
Synonyms
- Persistent erection
- Nonsexual erection
