cervical cap

noun

1. a contraceptive device made of rubberlike plastic and fitted over the cervix, where it may be kept for long periods without removal.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cervical cap¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Even after fitting hundreds of working-class women with caps, she still associates cervical cap use with women who need contraception because they cannot afford to have more pregnancies.

From Salon

There was crocodile dung in ancient Egypt, Aristotle's recommendation of cedar oil, and Casanova's method of using half a lemon as a cervical cap.

From BBC

This 1920s cervical cap fit over the cervix to prevent sperm from entering the uterus.

From National Geographic

In Giacomo Casanova’s memoirs, written in the late 18th century, he takes credit for inventing a primitive version of the cervical cap, when he describes using partly squeezed lemon halves during sex.

From Time

Aristotle proposed cedar oil and frankincense oil as spermicides; Casanova wrote of using half a lemon as a cervical cap.

From Time