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

Educational Campaigns: Promoting oral hygiene and nutrition among families can effectively address cavity prevention. —Maria Sokolina, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025

Ependymal cells line the spinal cord and the brain’s ventricles, the cavities that produce and store CSF, and are essential for maintaining a stable environment in these structures, ensuring that neurons and other cells function optimally. —New Atlas, 2 Jan. 2025

If these gaps are deep, expanding foam insulation designed for window and door use may be necessary to fill the cavity. —Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Jan. 2025

The most common site of mesothelioma is the pleura, the thin tissue that lines the chest cavity and covers the lungs. —Oliver Eng, Health, 31 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