Kegel

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A specific type of exercise designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles
2. An exercise method focusing on contracting and relaxing muscles in the pelvic area to improve muscle tone
3. A practice aimed at enhancing the strength and control of pelvic muscles for health benefits

Etymology: Arnold Kegel was an American gynecologist who, in the 1940s and 1950s, developed a set of exercises for strengthening the muscles that support the pelvic organs. The exercises became known by his name, and "kegel" is now the common term for the exercise itself, as in "doing kegels." The word is simply his surname, turned into a noun for the practice he promoted. The surname is German, and it has a more down-to-earth origin. "Kegel" is the German word for a skittle or bowling pin, the wooden pin knocked over in the game of skittles. Kegel as a surname likely began as a nickname or occupational name connected with that game, so a common pin-game word ended up attached to a family name that a medical pioneer carried.