pessary

American  

[pes-uh-ree] / ˈpɛs ə ri /

noun

Medicine/Medical.

plural

pessaries

1. a device worn in the vagina to support a displaced uterus.

2. a vaginal suppository.

3. diaphragm.

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pessary British  

/ ˈpɛsərɪ /

noun

1. a device for inserting into the vagina, either as a support for the uterus or ( diaphragm pessary ) to deliver a drug, such as a contraceptive

2. a medicated vaginal suppository

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Etymology

Origin of pessary

1350–1400; Middle English pessarie < Late Latin pessārium a suppository, equivalent to Latin pess ( um ), pess ( us ) (< Greek pessós oval stone used in a game) + -ārium -ary

Example Sentences

A common treatment for prolapse, a device called a pessary, actually resembles a menstrual cup.

From Salon • Oct. 25, 2024

She has been working with a pelvic health physiotherapist and uses a vaginal pessary, a device that helps to support the vaginal walls and pelvic organs, which means she feels more confident doing exercise.

From BBC • Jan. 12, 2024

A nonsurgical treatment that’s often recommended is the use of a pessary, a small device, usually made of silicone, that’s placed in the vagina to support the pelvic organs.

From US News • Jul. 27, 2016

Some, like this bronze Roman pessary dated between 200 B.C. and 400 C.E., were used to support the uterus.

From National Geographic • Feb. 19, 2016

Take two scruples each of sacopenium, mugwort, savine, cloves, nutmeg, bay berries; one drachm of galbanum; one scruple each of hiera piera and black hellebore, and make a pessary with turpentine.

From The Works of Aristotle the Famous Philosopher Containing his Complete Masterpiece and Family Physician; his Experienced Midwife, his Book of Problems and his Remarks on Physiognomy by Aristotle