The term "erection" generally refers to the process or state of something being raised upright. In a medical context, it most commonly refers to the enlargement and stiffening of the penis, which occurs when blood fills the erectile tissue. However, the word can also be used in other contexts, such as the erection of buildings or structures, meaning the act of constructing or raising something to a vertical position.
The word "erection" comes from the Latin verb "erigere," which means "to raise up." This Latin term is formed from the prefix "e-" meaning "out" and "ragere," which means "to raise." The transition into English occurred around the late 14th century.