virgin
UK: ˈvɜːdʒɪn | US: ˈvɜːrdʒɪn
n. 1. A person who has never had sexual intercourse.
n. 2. (figurative) Something untouched, pure, or in its original state (e.g., virgin forest).
adj. 1. Being in a pure or unspoiled state.
The word "virgin" traces back to Latin virgo (genitive virginis), meaning "maiden" or "young woman." It originally carried no explicit sexual connotation but emphasized youth and purity. The Latin root virgo may derive from virga ("green shoot" or "twig"), metaphorically linking innocence to fresh growth. Over time, the term narrowed to emphasize chastity in Christian contexts, later expanding figuratively to describe untouched natural states (e.g., "virgin soil").
The ancient temple was dedicated to a virgin goddess.
She vowed to remain a virgin until marriage.
The explorers stumbled upon a virgin rainforest untouched by humans.
The company launched a virgin line of eco-friendly products.
His virgin attempt at painting surprised everyone with its creativity.