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

Here's what may come: Drinking Water Kennedy has vowed to immediately remove fluoride from drinking water, a major reversal in a decades-long practices that has been praised for drastically reducing cavities and strengthening teeth. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

Stuff yellow onion quarters and 4 thyme sprigs in turkey cavity. —Nicole Hopper, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2024

Pleural fluid culture is necessary to assess if bacteria or fungi are spreading to the pleura, which is the tissue on the outside of the lungs and along the inside of the chest cavity. —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2024

This prolonged exposure increases the acidity of the mouth, erodes the teeth and causes cavities. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 25 Oct. 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