cervix

noun

cer·​vix ˈsər-viks How to pronounce cervix (audio)
plural cervices ˈsər-və-ˌsēz How to pronounce cervix (audio)
(ˌ)sər-ˈvī-(ˌ)sēz
or cervixes
1
: neck
especially : the back part of the neck
2
: a constricted portion of an organ or part
especially : the narrow outer end of the uterus

Examples of cervix in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web It’s usually followed by misoprostol, a drug that causes the cervix to soften and dilate to help the body expel the pregnancy. Korin Miller, SELF, 4 Mar. 2024 Houston's journey to motherhood took a turn following the 35-year-old's cervical cancer diagnosis, which required a hysterectomy, removal of her uterus and cervix and other tissues, seemingly crushing her hopes of having a third child. Janet Shamlian, CBS News, 28 Feb. 2024 During this procedure, a healthcare provider inserts a tool through your cervix to remove tissue from your uterus. Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 23 Feb. 2024 For early-stage cervical cancer, a surgery called a total hysterectomy to remove the cervix and uterus may be considered. Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2024 Kelsey Hatcher was born with two uteri, each with its own cervix — a condition known as uterine didelphys. Natalie Kainz, NBC News, 16 Nov. 2023 Since pap smears began screening for HPV by taking a sample of the cervix, Saphier noted that cervical cancer mortality has decreased. Angelica Stabile, Fox News, 15 Feb. 2024 Individuals with a cervix are recommended to start cervical cancer screening at 25 and continue through age 65, with HPV testing every five years as the preferred method of testing. Claire Gillespie, Health, 15 Feb. 2024 The exhibition spotlights a series of 10 bas-relief paintings (one of which has been loaned to the Aldrich) charting the cervix dilating from 1 cm to 10 cm, the kinds of measurements tracked during a vaginal birth. Stephanie Sporn, Vogue, 8 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cervix.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin cervic-, cervix

First Known Use

1694, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of cervix was in 1694

Dictionary Entries Near cervix

Cite this Entry

“Cervix.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cervix. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

cervix

noun
cer·​vix ˈsər-viks How to pronounce cervix (audio)
plural cervices ˈsər-və-ˌsēz How to pronounce cervix (audio) or cervixes
: the narrow outer end of the uterus that opens into the cavity of the vagina

Medical Definition

cervix

noun
cer·​vix ˈsər-viks How to pronounce cervix (audio)
plural cervices -və-ˌsēz, ˌsər-ˈvī-(ˌ)sēz How to pronounce cervix (audio) or cervixes
1
: neck sense 1a
especially : the back part of the neck
2
: a constricted portion of an organ or part: as
a
: the narrow lower or outer end of the uterus
b
: the constricted cementoenamel junction on a tooth

More from Merriam-Webster on cervix

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