cervix

[ sur-viks ]

noun

, Anatomy.

, plural cer·vix·es, cer·vi·ces [ser-, vahy, -seez, sur, -v, uh, -seez].

1. the neck, especially the back part.
2. any necklike part, especially the constricted lower end of the uterus.

cervix

/ ˈsɜːvɪks /

noun

1. the technical name for neck
2. any necklike part of an organ, esp the lower part of the uterus that extends into the vagina

cervix

/ sûr′vĭks /

1. A neck-shaped anatomical structure, especially the narrowed, lower end of the uterus that extends into the vagina.

cervix

1. The narrow outer end of the uterus . A portion of the cervix extends into the vagina . ( See reproductive systems .)

Other Words From

• cer·vi·cal [sur, -vi-k, uh, l], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cervix¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin cervīx “neck, nape, uterine cervix”

Word History and Origins

Origin of cervix¹

C18: from Latin

Example Sentences

The fetus was on the verge of coming out, its head pressed against her dilated cervix; she was 17 weeks pregnant and a miscarriage was “in progress,” doctors noted in hospital records.

From Salon

Cervical screening tests are offered to those aged 25 to 64 and checks the health of the cervix for any abnormal changes and identify cancer cells early.

From BBC

Then, a speculum is used to identify the cervix.

From Salon

Women, and people with a cervix, were offered a self-testing kit in one of two ways:

From BBC

He recalled a period between 1948 and 1953 when women would frequently arrive in his office with a coat hanger still trapped in the cervix — and it wasn’t just coat hangers.

From Salon

Related Words

• collar