Menstruators

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A person who experiences a monthly menstrual cycle, encompassing those who identify biologically or socially with menstruation
2. An individual who undergoes the physiological process of menstruation, relevant to both women and those of other gender identities
3. Referring to anyone who has the biological capacity to menstruate, including women and non-binary individuals who experience this cycle

Etymology: "Menstruators" is simply the plural of "menstruator," a noun formed from "menstruate" with the agent suffix "-or," meaning one who menstruates. The base verb comes from Latin "menstruare," itself from "menstruus," monthly, which ties back to "mensis," month. So the word's core idea is a monthly cycle, and "-or" simply names the person who undergoes it. The interesting twist is that the word exists largely because of the need for inclusive language. Ordinary English has long used "women" for people who menstruate, but that assumption leaves out transgender men, nonbinary people, and others who have periods. "Menstruators" was adopted in discussions of health care, policy and product design to describe anyone who menstruates regardless of gender, so its meaning rests on the body's biology rather than identity.