Eunuch
Eunuch
Eunuch (/ˈjuːnək/; from the Greek: εὐνοῦχος, eunoukhos, literally 'bed guard') is a term used to describe a man who has been castrated, typically early enough in his life for this change to have major hormonal consequences.
Etymology
The term eunuch comes from the Greek word eunoukhos, which itself is derived from eune (bed) and ekhein (to keep), thus 'bed guard'. The term was traditionally used in ancient oriental courts where eunuchs were employed as chamberlains to queens and princesses.
Pronunciation
The term is pronounced as /ˈjuːnək/.
Related Terms
- Castration: The removal of the testes, resulting in sterility, reduced sexual desire and inhibition of secondary sexual characteristics.
- Hijra (South Asia): In South Asian countries, eunuchs are often considered a third gender and are referred to as Hijra.
- Concubine: A woman living in the same household as a man, but without being his wife. Eunuchs were often employed to guard the concubines.
- Harem: The separate part of a Muslim household reserved for wives, concubines, and female servants, traditionally guarded by eunuchs.
See Also
- Castrato: A type of classical male singing voice equivalent to that of a soprano, mezzo-soprano, or contralto, typically achieved through castration before puberty.
- Skoptsy: A secret sect in Tsarist Russia, the members of which would castrate themselves, believing that the sexual organs were the source of all human troubles.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Eunuch
- Wikipedia's article - Eunuch
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