Hymen

• An alternate name for the Greek god Hymenaios
• A vaginal membrane present in human females, which completely or partially occludes the vaginal opening. The term comes from a Greek word meaning "membrane". Because sexual activity would usually puncture this membrane, its presence has been considered a guarantor of virginity in societies that place a high value on female chastity before marriage. Nonetheless, the hymen is often lost during childhood in the course of normal physical activities.