intercourse

[in-ter-kawrs]

noun

1. sexual intercourse, especially coitus.

2. dealings or communication between individuals, groups, countries, etc.

   Synonyms: traffic, trade, commerce, sexual relations, sex act, sex, relations, copulation

3. interchange of thoughts, feelings, etc.

intercourse

/ ˈɪntəˌkɔːs /

noun

1. communication or exchange between individuals; mutual dealings

2. See sexual intercourse

Other Word Forms

• preintercourse noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of intercourse¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English intercurse, from Medieval Latin intercursus “communication, trading,” Latin “a running between, interposition”; inter-, course

Word History and Origins

Origin of intercourse¹

C15: from Medieval Latin intercursus business, from Latin intercurrere to run between, from currere to run

Related Words

• copulation 
• intimacy