Orgasm

An orgasm, also known as a sexual climax, is a pleasurable physical, psychological or emotional response to prolonged sexual stimulation. It is often accompanied by a notable physiological reaction, such as ejaculation, blushing or spasm and may be followed by aftershocks.

Non-sexual meaning of the word "orgasm"

Dictionaries still indicate that the word "orgasm" can refer to any peak of emotional intensity—a "climax" in the non-sexual sense. As of 2005, the word would be likely to be misunderstood if used in that way; such usage is vanishingly rare. It does, however, occur in literature written prior to the sexual revolution:

Related Topics:
As of 2005 - Sexual revolution

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:Here in this cathedral at Burgos was the record of an incredible spiritual energy.... Those who had built and carved and painted here had been more than happy. They had left the record of their ecstasy in a divine orgasm of stone.—Hervey Allen, Anthony Adverse

Related Topics:
Hervey Allen - Anthony Adverse

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In reference to a horse which is calming down after being "spooked:"

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:"it was a very weak and very sick mare he rode, stumbling and halting, afflicted with nervous jerks and recurring muscular spasms—the aftermath of the tremendous orgasm through which she had passed.—Jack London, Moon-Face and Other Stories, "Planchette."

Related Topics:
Jack London - Moon-Face and Other Stories

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In the following sentence, a newcomer to the Arctic is impressed with Malemute Kid's forceful personality. "Breathing heavily" here means "has fallen asleep."

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:"Malemute Kid was already breathing heavily; but the young mining engineer gazed straight up through the thick darkness, waiting for the strange orgasm which stirred his blood to die away."—Jack London, The Son of the Wolf, "An Odyssey of the North".

Related Topics:
Jack London - The Son of the Wolf

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Wargasm has been used as the name for a rock group and for a computer game, and Whoregasm for a film.

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