Amenorrheic

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Indicating a biological state where menstruation is completely absent in women of reproductive age
2. Describes the condition of not experiencing menstrual periods despite being of reproductive age
3. Refers to the state in which menstrual cycles are absent in a person typically expected to menstruate

Etymology: The word is built from three pieces, each with its own history. The prefix "a-" comes from ancient Greek and means "without," as in "atypical" or "anaerobic." "Menorrhoea," the medical term for menstruation, is the second piece, and it is also a Greek compound: "mēn" (month) and "rhoia" (flow). The "-ic" ending is the familiar adjective suffix, which reached English through Latin "-icus" and Old French "-ique." Put together, "amenorrhoeic" describes a person who is without a monthly flow, a literal meaning that the Greek parts make plain. The word is a modern technical formation, assembled in English from classical materials, so the ancient Greeks had no word for this condition in this form. Its spelling, with "oe," reflects the Greek-derived British medical tradition, while the "amenorrheic" spelling uses the American "e."

Synonyms: menstrual, non-menstruating, anovulatory, infertile, reproductive