Nudity

The state or quality of being nude, undressed, or naked. In Western civilization and cooler climates, nudity in public is not socially acceptable practice, and is often associated with sexual overtones and stimulation. Nudity has been traditionally accepted in the visual arts, and more recently in the performing arts, movies, and television. The degree of partial nudity varies widely with different time periods in western cultures, ranging from the total body clothing of the Vctorians to miniskirts and bikini bathing suits. In other cultures, especially in tropical climates, the genitalia are usually covered although body covering may be scant.

Adamite: An obsolete term fora nudist. This modern usage is derived from a Christian sect in Germany and Holland, the Adamites, who practiced ritual nudity and extramarital sexual intercourse at their secret meetings in the belief that as God's chosen they had already been reborn into a state of heavenly innocence where all the elect were obliged to love one another.

Naturism: A health movement originating in Germany around 1900 that emphasizes the health aspects of nudism. Naturism and naturist clubs, also known as sun clubs and open-air clubs, promote a family atmosphere and encourage sunbathing, sports, and family activities in the nude without any sexual connotation.

Nudism: The social practice or cult of nudity for hygienic reasons.

Nudist: A person who believes in pr practices nudism.

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