How to Pronounce Virilization
Definition, meaning, and phonetic spelling
Virilization Pronunciation
vir-ih-lih-ZAY-shun
Stressed syllable in ALL CAPS · hyphens separate syllables
Syllable Breakdown
vir
ih
lih
ZAY
stress here
shun
5 syllables
What is Virilization?
The development of male secondary sexual characteristics in women or children due to excess androgen exposure, including clitoral enlargement, deepened voice, male-pattern baldness, increased muscle mass, and acne. It suggests a significant degree of androgen excess, often from a tumor or severe CAH.
Questions About Virilization
How do you pronounce 'virilization'?
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Virilization is pronounced VIR-ih-lih-ZAY-shun. Start with 'vir' (rhymes with 'sir'), then say 'ih-lih' (two short 'ih' sounds), and end with 'ZAY-shun' (where 'ZAY' rhymes with 'say'). The stress falls on the third syllable: vir-ih-LIZ-ay-shun.
What is the stressed syllable in 'virilization'?
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The stressed syllable is the third one: ZAY. A common mistake is stressing the first syllable (VIR-il-ih-zay-shun), but the correct way puts the emphasis on ZAY in the middle of the word.
How do you break 'virilization' into syllables?
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Virilization breaks into five syllables: vir-il-i-ZAY-shun. This might help you say it slower at first: VIR (pause) il (pause) i (pause) ZAY (pause) shun.
What does 'viril-' mean in 'virilization'?
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'Viril-' comes from the Latin word 'virilis,' which means 'manly' or 'male.' The suffix '-ization' means 'the process of becoming.' So virilization literally means 'the process of becoming male' or developing male characteristics.
What is a simpler way to say 'virilization'?
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In plain English, virilization means the development of male-like features or characteristics. You might hear it described as 'masculinization' in everyday language, though that term is less common in medical settings.
What is the short form or abbreviation for 'virilization'?
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There is no widely used abbreviation for virilization. Medical professionals usually say or write the full word, though you might see it shortened to just 'viril-' in some compound medical terms.
What are other medical words related to 'virilization'?
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'Virile' (VIR-ul) means having male characteristics, and 'virilizing' (VIR-ih-ly-zing) is the present-tense form describing something that causes virilization. You might also hear 'androgenization,' which is a similar process related to androgen hormones.
Can you use 'virilization' in a sentence?
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Here's an example: 'The doctor explained that virilization can occur when there are high levels of male hormones in the body.' This shows the word being used to describe a medical condition without giving any treatment advice.