n.
- Anatomy. The crease or hollow at the junction of the inner part of each thigh with the trunk, together with the adjacent region and often including the external genitals.
- Architecture. The curved edge at the junction of two intersecting vaults.
- A small jetty extending from a shore to protect a beach against erosion or to trap shifting sands.
To provide or build with groins.
[Alteration (influenced by LOIN) of Middle English grinde, perhaps from Old English grynde, abyss, hollow.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
