cavity

noun

cav·​i·​ty ˈka-və-tē 

plural cavities

1

: an unfilled space within a mass

especially : a hollowed-out space

2

: an area of decay in a tooth : caries

Synonyms

• concavity
• dent
• depression
• dint
• hole
• hollow
• indentation
• indenture
• pit
• recess

Examples of cavity in a Sentence

Some birds nest in tree cavities.

I had two cavities filled at the dentist's.

Recent Examples on the Web

This can cause cavities and lead to infection and tooth loss in the long term, affecting quality of life for children and adults alike. —Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 18 Dec. 2024

Four hornet nests found inside alder tree cavities in Whatcom County were eradicated between October 2020 and September 2021. —Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 18 Dec. 2024

Even that once spewing cavity is tranquil now, too, a silent witness to one of history’s most violent volcanic explosions. —Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Dec. 2024

Research has shown that water fluoridation not only decreases cavities, but also decreases socioeconomic health inequalities on oral health. —Omer Awan, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French cavité, borrowed from Late Latin cavitāt-, cavitās, from Latin cavus "hollow, concave" + -itāt-, -itās -ity — more at hole entry 1

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing cavity

• abdominal cavity
• body cavity
• pelvic cavity
• segmentation cavity
• spinal cavity
• thoracic cavity

Kids Definition

cavity

noun

cav·​i·​ty ˈkav-ət-ē 

plural cavities

1

: a hollow place

especially : an unfilled bodily space

lung cavity

2

: a hole hollowed out in a tooth by decay

Medical Definition

cavity

noun

cav·​i·​ty ˈkav-ət-ē 

plural cavities

1

: an unfilled space within a mass

2

: an area of decay in a tooth : caries