koro

English Noun

Definition

A delusional syndrome found in Malay and southern Chinese populations, characterized by a belief that the subject's penis will retract into the abdomen and cause death.

Etymology

Possibly from Makasar garring koro' (lit. koro illness, "shrinking of the toilet", Matthes 1859), Buginese, or Malay. See "Koro § Etymology and geographical background" at Wikipedia for a full discussion.