Definition/Meaning of menarche

• English - Noun: menarche ( plural menarches ) The onset of menstruation; the beginning of the menstrual period . A girl's first period . 1973 , Patrick O'Brian, HMS Surprise : How old is she? Nine? Ten? The menarche is not far off – a hint of a bosom , poor child . 1978 , Benjamin Walker , Encyclopedia of Metaphysical Medicine , Routledge 1978, p . 252: The most potent and indeed dangerous of all menstrual…
• English - Etymology: First attested 1900, from German Menarche (1895), formed from meno- ( “ menstruation ” ) + Ancient Greek ἀρχή ( arkhḗ , “ beginning ” ).
• English - Pronunciation: ( UK ) IPA (key) : /mɛˈnɑːki/