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View synonyms for coccyx

coccyx

[ kok-siks ]

noun

, plural coc·cy·ges [kok-, sahy, -jeez, kok, -si-jeez].
  1. a small triangular bone forming the lower extremity of the spinal column in humans, consisting of four ankylosed rudimentary vertebrae.
  2. a corresponding part in certain animals.


coccyx

/ ˈkɒksɪks; kɒkˈsɪdʒɪəl /

noun

  1. a small triangular bone at the end of the spinal column in man and some apes, representing a vestigial tail


coccyx

/ kŏksĭks /

, Plural coccyges kŏk-sījēz,kŏksĭ-jēz′

  1. A small triangular bone at the base of the spine in humans and apes. It is composed of several fused vertebrae.
  2. Also called tailbone


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Derived Forms

  • coccygeal, adjective

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Other Words From

  • coc·cyg·e·al [kok-, sij, -ee-, uh, l, -, sij, -, uh, l], adjective
  • inter·coc·cyge·al adjective
  • precoc·cyge·al adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of coccyx1

1605–15; < New Latin < Greek kókkyx cuckoo, from its resemblance to a cuckoo's beak

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Word History and Origins

Origin of coccyx1

C17: from New Latin, from Greek kokkux cuckoo, of imitative origin; from the likeness of the bone to a cuckoo's beak

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Compare Meanings

How does coccyx compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

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Example Sentences

Following a motorcycle crash in which I knocked out my left knee and fractured my coccyx in seven places 10 years ago, I’ve struggled to bend into deep deadlifts.

Lumbar support cushions like this one by Everlasting Comfort, and this one by Newgam, can help avoid and relieve pain in the lower back and coccyx by facilitating a neutral position.

The Englishman coming up behind her seized her where he could, in the region of her coccyx and her left rib cage.

The sinus on the back extends from the coccyx to the ribs, and from one ilium to the other.

The pieces of the abdomen and of the terminal segment correspond to the bones of the abdomen and coccyx (p. 458).

The bone immediately below the sacrum, called the coccyx, is essentially the representative of the tail in man.

In Man all the four caudal vertebrae are rudimentary and are fused together, forming the coccyx.

The os coccyx in man, though functionless as a tail, plainly represents this part in other vertebrate animals.

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