pelvis

[ pel-vis ]

noun

, Anatomy, Zoology.

, plural pel·vis·es, pel·ves [pel, -veez].

1. the basinlike cavity in the lower part of the trunk of many vertebrates, formed in humans by the innominate bones, sacrum, etc.
2. the bones forming this cavity.
3. the cavity of the kidney that receives the urine before it is passed into the ureter.

pelvis

/ ˈpɛlvɪs /

noun

1. the large funnel-shaped structure at the lower end of the trunk of most vertebrates: in man it is formed by the hipbones and sacrum
2. the bones that form this structure
3. any anatomical cavity or structure shaped like a funnel or cup
4. See renal pelvis
   short for renal pelvis

pelvis

/ pĕl′vĭs /

, Plural pelvises pĕl′vēz

1. The basin-shaped structure in vertebrate animals that joins the spine and lower or hind limbs. In primates, the pelvis is composed of the two hipbones joined to the sacrum. It contains, protects, and supports the intestines, bladder, and internal reproductive organs.

pelvis

1. The bowl-shaped group of bones connecting the trunk of the body to the legs and supporting the spine. The pelvis includes the hip bones and the lower part of the backbone.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pelvis¹

1605–15; < New Latin; Latin: basin; akin to Greek pellís bowl

Word History and Origins

Origin of pelvis¹

C17: from Latin: basin, laver

Example Sentences

In an airline seat, the hips and pelvis rotate forward and the S curve flattens.

From The Daily Beast

For just a moment, I froze and found myself imagining what it would feel like to break a pelvis.

From The Daily Beast

Trauma to the leg or to the hips and pelvis might cause a clot, but we were not told of any leg injury.

From The Daily Beast

In Area F searchers discovered the bones of her trunk and pelvis with both upper leg bones still connected.

From The Daily Beast

This week, Ralph Lauren drew criticism for doctoring a photograph of a model to make her head look double the size of her pelvis.

From The Daily Beast

In the lower monkeys and the lemurs, the bones of the pelvis are altogether quadrupedal in character.

From Project Gutenberg

Almost every muscle from the base of the skull to the brim of the pelvis is directly concerned in respiration.

From Project Gutenberg

In the girl, the breasts and the pelvis assume the adult female type, and ovulation and menstruation begin.

From Project Gutenberg

A wrapped stove lid or a hot-water bottle is placed over the pelvis and one under the back.

From Project Gutenberg

This is a very certain indication, as it arises from temporary distensions of the pelvis, which nothing else can occasion.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• abdomen
• gut
• insides
• tank
• tummy