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rape

n. the nonconsensual oral, anal, or vaginal penetration of an individual by another person with a part of the body or an object, using force or threats of bodily harm or taking advantage of the individual’s inability to give or deny consent. U.S. laws defining rape vary by state, but the crime of rape is no longer limited to female victims, to vaginal penetration, or to forcible situations, and the exclusion of spouses as possible perpetrators of rape has been dropped.

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Psychology term of the day

November 18th 2024

tendon reflex

tendon reflex

the automatic contraction of a muscle elicited by stretching a tendon. Such reflexes are mediated by tendon stretch detectors, called Golgi tendon organs. An example of a tendon reflex is the patellar reflex, elicited by tapping or stretching the patellar tendon just below the kneecap. Also called deep reflex.