Ah, I love to read, as you well know, but sometimes I come across precious vocabulary jewels. These new words or phrases bring me the kind of joy that birthday cakes bring to children. ‘Fun with Words’ may become a new installment here at The Luscious Librarian.
While reading “Nymphomania: The historical construction of female sexuality by Carol Groneman” (pick it up if you’re at all interested in the medicalization of sexuality, it’s so much fun!) I came across this jewel- furor uterinus. Now, at first glance it evokes images of coochies on fire. A burning womb, if you will, burning with passion and desire. Here is an 18th century definition from the article:
furor uterinus
was an "immoderate burning in the genital area of the female, caused
by the surging of hot vapor, bringing about an erection of the clitoris.
Because of this burning sensation women were thought to be driven
insane" (Ferrand [I 6231 1990,385- 86).
If that isn’t the most beautiful description of sexual frustration. I can’t wait for an occasion to use it in casual conversation.
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