INTERCOURSE


Meaning of INTERCOURSE in English

ˈintərˌkō(ə)rs, -kȯ(ə)rs, -təˌkōəs, -təˌkȯ(ə)s noun

Etymology: Middle English intercurse, probably modification (influenced by Latin inter- ) of Middle French entrecours, from Old French, from Medieval Latin intercursus, from Latin, intervention, act of running between, from intercursus, past participle of intercurrere to run between, from inter- + currere to run — more at current

1. : dealings or connection (as in common affairs, civilities, or business) between persons, organizations, or nations : communication

diffidence … renders me inapt for social intercourse — Havelock Ellis

as trade intercourse increases between nations — J.A.Hobson

welcomes extraclass intercourse with students and encourages them to think critically — G.H.White

2. : exchange or interchange especially of thought and feeling : communion

sweet intercourse of looks and smiles — John Milton

believed he had direct intercourse with the Deity — Ruth Gruber

3. : physical sexual contact between individuals that involves the genitalia of at least one person

heterosexual intercourse

anal intercourse

oral intercourse

especially : sexual intercourse 1

4. obsolete

a. : alternate succession : alternation

b. : intervention , interposition

c. : intercommunication , interconnection

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.