ibale

Yoruba

Etymology

From ì- (nominalizing prefix) +‎ (to meet) +‎ ilé (home), literally The act of finding someone still at home

  • This is referring to the notion of purity associated with virginity

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ì.bá.lé/

Noun

ìbálé

  1. virginity
  2. hymen
  3. hymeneal blood
    Synonym: ayèré
  4. virginity test

Derived terms

  • ìgbàbálé (defloration)
  • jábàálé (to disvirgin)

References

  • Renne, Elisha P. Population and Progress in a Yoruba Town [1], 2003