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Definitions

Acroposthion:

A word of greek origin referring to just the the overhang or the very tip of the male prepuce. This is the original understanding of the word foreskin. Acro- means peak just like in the work acropolis and posthe means the portion of the male prepuce that surrounds the glans.

Brit Milah:

The original biblical practice of circumcision where only the acroposthion (overhanging foreskin) was removed. Often this term is used to describe  the whole process of circumcision including the later addition of Periah

Brit Periah:

An addition to biblical circumcision (Brit Milah) where the the entire male prepuce is also removed. The corresponding medical surgery is posthectomy or what is often less accurately simply referred to as circumcision. Read more about this change.

Circumcision:

Circumcision is a religious term that refers to the removal of the prepuce or foreskin for religious purposes. The term circumcision is often used to describe less accurately the modern medical surgery of posthectomy. The word circumcision is less accurate for medical surgeries because circumcision refers to the process or rite whereas posthectomy refers to the removed tissue (posthe) with the proper suffix (-ectomy). Note that the common tradition in English is to use Latin roots to describe religion and society (circumcision), and Greek roots mostly to describe medicine and science (posthectomy). Read about foreskin anatomy to better understand what is removed. 

Foreskin:

This term refers to the male prepuce. Traditionally this word refers to just the tip or overhanging portion of the male prepuce. (The skin "before") It was this just this small tip that was removed with the older jewish practice of brit milah).

Prepuce:

The retractable roll of skin surrounding the penis. Also the fold of skin surrounding the clitorus. Thus this term can be used for males and females.

Posthe:

A greek word referring to the portion of the male prepuce that surrounds the glans penis, this doesn't include the overhang or tip called the acroposthion.

Posthectomy: (Pronounced Post - heck - tuh- mee)

Posthectomy is the proper medical term for the surgical removal of the whole male prepuce (posthe) including the (acroposthion). Circumcision is not a medical word; it is a religious word. A distinction should be made between the modern medical practice because it bares little resemblance to the original religious practice. (See Post-Biblical Changes  and Modern Medicalization ​)

Read more about foreskin anatomy (there are no explicit depictions of male anatomy)

Posthectomy
Circumcision
Foreskin
Prepuce
Acroposthion
Milah
Periah

Latter-day Saints and Circumcision

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