orgasm

Etymology

From French orgasme or New Latin orgasmus, from Ancient Greek ὀργασμός (orgasmós, “excitement, swelling”), from ὀργάω (orgáō, “to swell with moisture”).

noun

1. (obsolete) A spasm or sudden contraction.
   Hence simple fevers are of two kinds; first, the febris irritativa, or fever with strong pulse, which consists of a previous torpor of the heart, arteries, and capillaries, and a succeeding orgasm of those vessels. 1794, Erasmus Darwin, Zoonomia
2. A rush of sexual excitement; now specifically, the climax or peak of sexual pleasure, which occurs during sexual activity and which in males may include ejaculation and in females vaginal contractions.
   Never had I experienced such an immense slow orgasm – its ripples ran like the tributaries of the Nile throughout the whole nervous system. 1982, Lawrence Durrell, Constance, Penguin 2004 (Avignon Quintet), page 668
   There does not have to be romance involved with sexual pleasure: some of us just like orgasms for the hell of it. 12 Sep 2007, Zoe Margolis, The Guardian
   If you want to get an orgasm, I recommend buying a vibrator.
3. A creamy white alcoholic cocktail containing amaretto, Irish cream, and coffee liqueur.

verb

1. To have an orgasm.