erection
/ɪˈrekʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪˈrekʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /i-ˈrek-shən/ (ame, mw)
erection — noun
- erectionsingular
- erectionsplural
1. the physical condition in which the male or female sexual organ becomes stiff an
the physical condition in which the male or female sexual organ becomes stiff and enlarged, happening most often during sexual arousal or sleep
Blood flowing into the penis makes the tissue expand and become stiff, the doctor explained.
medical register: anatomical explanation
Losing an erection during sex is common and rarely means a health problem.
collocation: losing an erection
Most men have several erections during sleep each night.
The nurse said that erections during sleep are a normal part of the sleep cycle.
Roya felt embarrassed when she got an erection during a health class presentation.
- hard-on
very informal / slang; avoid in polite conversation
- boner
slang; considered crude by many speakers
- tumescence
extremely formal medical term; rarely used outside clinical writing
- flaccidity
medical term for the soft, relaxed state of the penis or clitoris
文法句型
have + an erection
get + an erection
lose + an erection
用法筆記
The standard, neutral term used in medical, educational, and polite conversation. Not a vulgar or offensive word. In informal spoken English, alternatives such as 'hard-on' or 'boner' exist but are considered crude or slang and should be avoided in formal situations.
常見錯誤
2. the process of building something large, such as a wall, bridge, or building, an
the process of building something large, such as a wall, bridge, or building, and putting it in an upright position where it will stay
Construction workers completed the erection of the hospital in just over two years.
collocation: erection of + [large structure]
City officials approved the erection of a fifty-metre observation tower in the park.
formal register: official approval context
Crews needed four people for the tent's erection, which took about twenty minutes.
A large crowd gathered to watch the war memorial's erection during the ceremony.
- construction
broader term that includes all building work, not just putting upright
- assembly
focuses on fitting parts together, often for smaller structures like furniture
- building
everyday word; 'erection' is much more formal
- demolition
the act of tearing down a structure
文法句型
erection + of + noun phrase (structure being built)
用法筆記
Frequently uncountable when describing the general process ('The erection of the bridge was delayed.'). Countable when referring to one specific instance of construction ('a quick erection of the stage'). In everyday conversation, 'building' or 'putting up' is more common.
常見錯誤
3. a large building or other tall, man-made object that has been put up in an uprig
a large building or other tall, man-made object that has been put up in an upright position in a particular place
The stone monument in the square was built to honour soldiers who died at war.
collocation: stone monument (built structure)
Modern structures made of glass and steel now stand along the old riverbank.
The ancient structures on the hill were originally used for religious ceremonies.
Photographers gathered near the harbour to capture the strange stone monuments.
用法筆記
Very formal and uncommon in everyday speech. Most speakers use 'building,' 'structure,' or a more specific word (monument, tower, statue) instead. The plural 'erections' is especially rare.