Glossary / Lexicon

Glossary V

Vaginismus refers to a sexual dysfunction that involves recurrent or persistent involuntary spasms of the musculature of the outer part of the vagina. Vaginismus is a sexual disorder that is characterized by the outer third of the vaginal muscles tightening, often painfully. Moreover, Vaginismus is a recurring involuntary muscle spasms in the outer third of the vagina that interfere with sexual intercourse.

Vaginitis refers to an irritation or inflammation of the vagina, usually causing a discharge.

Vaginoplasty refers to a transgender operation in which a vagina is artificially constructed.

The Vagus nerve is the major parasympathetic nerve. It is the tenth cranial nerve, which has branches to and from the stomach and several other organs

Valerian refers to an herbal remedy derived from the dried roots of the valerian plant, Valeriana officinalis. It has been used for over a thousand years as a mild sedative and hypnotic, a preparation that brings on sleep. Valerian is native to Europe and parts of Asia; it has since been introduced in the United States, placed under cultivation and now growing in the wild, as well. It is usually cultivated for its pinkish white or lavender flowers as well as for its medicinal uses. The name "valerian" is thought to derive from the Latin verb valere, which means "to be well." It is also sometimes said to derive from Valeria, the province of the Roman Empire where the plant may have originated.

Valetudinarian refers to a sickly or weak person, especially one who is constantly and morbidly concerned with his or her health . It is likewise, a descriptive word which means chronically ailing; sickly and cConstantly and morbidly concerned with one's health.

Validity refers to the extent to which a test measures what it was intended to measure.

Value differences refer to differences in what people believe and what they consider to be important.