Definition of intercourse

The word "intercourse" has its roots in Middle English, specifically in the form "yntercours." It originated from the Old French phrase "entre corz," which translates to "between the hips." The French phrase itself is a compound of "entre," meaning "between," and "corz," meaning "ribs" or "flanks." In medieval times, the term "corz" was used to describe the upper part of the torso, including the ribcage and hips, which were thought to be the areas involved in sexual activity. The term "intercourse" was originally used to refer to any kind of communication or exchange between people, not just sexual activity. However, the term's sexual connotations became more pronounced over time, and by the 16th century, it had come to specifically refer to sexual activity between two people. The use of the term "intercourse" to refer to sexual activity fell out of favor in the late 20th century, as more explicit and less euphemistic terms like "sex" and "intimacy" came into use. However, "intercourse" remains a part of the English language, and is still used by some people, particularly in more formal or traditional contexts.