cervix

noun

cer·​vix ˈsər-viks 

plural cervices ˈsər-və-ˌsēz 

(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

Jennifer Salcedo, an ob-gyn who left a practice in Honolulu to move to the Valley, recalled that early on she was rushed into an operating room where a physician had attempted to perform a D. & E. but hadn’t fully dilated the woman’s cervix—a mandatory first step. —Stephania Taladrid, The New Yorker, 25 Nov. 2024

Misoprostol can be used not only to help pass fetal tissue, but also to facilitate the insertion of intrauterine devices, a type of birth control, or prepare the cervix for surgical procedures such as hysterectomy. —Bayliss Wagner, Austin American-Statesman, 24 June 2024

While anyone with a cervix can develop cervical cancer, certain factors can increase this risk. —Brandi Jones, Health, 11 Sep. 2024

According to the hospital, the new mother was born with two cervixes and two uteruses, a condition called uterine didelphys found in about 1 in 2,000 women. —Cnn Staff, CNN, 1 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin cervic-, cervix

First Known Use

1694, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

cervix

noun

cer·​vix ˈsər-viks 

plural cervices ˈsər-və-ˌsēz  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 

plural cervices -və-ˌsēz, ˌsər-ˈvī-(ˌ)sēz  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