per·i·ne·um / ˌperəˈnēəm/ • n. Anat. the area between the anus and the scrotum or vulva.DERIVATIVES: per·i·ne·al / -ˈnēəl/ adj.

perineum The anatomical name for the ‘crotch’ region, including the anus and vulva in the female and extending from the anus to the scrotum in the male. At a deeper level, layers of muscle and connective tissue form the ‘floor’ of the pelvic cavity which is penetrated by the anal canal (from the rectum) and urethra (from the bladder), and by the vagina in the female. The bony limits of the perineum are the pubic symphysis, in front (where the two pelvic bones join), and the coccyx behind.

Stuart Judge

perineum (pe-ri-nee-ŭm) n. the region of the body between the anus and the urethral opening, including both skin and underlying muscle.