menarche

noun men·ar·che \ˈme-ˌnär-kē\

Definition of MENARCHE

: the beginning of the menstrual function; especially : the first menstrual period of an individual

— men·ar·che·al \ˌme-när-ˈkē-əl\ adjective

New Latin, from men- + Greek archē beginning

First Known Use: circa 1900

Medical Dictionary

noun men·ar·che \ˈmen-ˌär-kē\

: the beginning of the menstrual function; especially : the first menstrual period of an individual

—men·ar·che·al \ˌmen-ˈär-kē-əl\ or men·ar·chal \men-ˈär-kəl\ also men·ar·chi·al \men-ˈär-kē-əl\ adjective

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