genitals

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	New2grammar  #511151  Thu, 08 May 08 11:15 AM Why do we use "genitals" in the plural form? Is each part of the external sex organ considered one genital? For example, a testicle is a genital and two would be genitals. Thanks in advance!    New2grammar Joined on Tue, Nov 21 2006 Veteran Member (7,676) Who wants to go sailing around the world with me?
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	Mister Micawber  #511155  Thu, 08 May 08 11:21 AM . Yes and no. Both men and women have genitals (L. genitalia, also plural).  They are complex organs, partly internal and partly external.  Hence, the plural refers to their having several parts.  By usage, however, it is a plural noun referring to the entire apparatus, so one part is not called a genital-- this latter is an adjective only.    Mister Micawber Joined on Wed, Aug 4 2004 Yokohama Veteran Member (22,347) 'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master-- that's all.'
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	New2grammar  #511165  Thu, 08 May 08 11:28 AM I think the easy way for me to remember is to think of it as scissors. No one part can function by itself.We don't say a scissor to refer to one of the blades.I hope not. fingers crossed.    New2grammar

	Yoong Liat  #511176  Thu, 08 May 08 11:59 AM Your genitals are your private parts. (not 'part')    Yoong Liat Joined on Mon, Sep 4 2006 Singapore Veteran Member (6,085) Yoong Liat

	New2grammar  #511193  Thu, 08 May 08 01:08 PM I've been using part all the while without realizing it's wrong. It probably sounds like it is dysfunctional to native speakers .    New2grammar

	Grammar Geek  #511225  Thu, 08 May 08 02:07 PM How often does it come up in casual conversation??    Grammar Geek Joined on Tue, Jan 10 2006 Pennsylvania, USA Veteran Member (15,998) Barbara, who answers in American English.
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	New2grammar  #511234  Thu, 08 May 08 02:27 PM You would be surprised :)      New2grammar

	Yoong Liat  #511291  Thu, 08 May 08 04:46 PM Hi New2grammar Although you've used 'part' all along, don't worry, your parts are still intact.    Yoong Liat
Grammar

	New2grammar  #511298  Thu, 08 May 08 05:00 PM New2grammar