pelvis

American  

[pel-vis] / ˈpɛl vɪs /

noun

Anatomy, Zoology.

PLURAL

pelvises, pelves

1. the basinlike cavity in the lower part of the trunk of many vertebrates, formed in humans by the innominate bones, sacrum, etc.

2. the bones forming this cavity.

3. the cavity of the kidney that receives the urine before it is passed into the ureter.

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pelvis British  

/ ˈpɛlvɪs /

noun

1. the large funnel-shaped structure at the lower end of the trunk of most vertebrates: in man it is formed by the hipbones and sacrum

2. the bones that form this structure

3. any anatomical cavity or structure shaped like a funnel or cup

4. short for renal pelvis

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pelvis Scientific  

/ pĕl′vĭs /

PLURAL

pelvises

1. The basin-shaped structure in vertebrate animals that joins the spine and lower or hind limbs. In primates, the pelvis is composed of the two hipbones joined to the sacrum. It contains, protects, and supports the intestines, bladder, and internal reproductive organs.

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pelvis Cultural  

1. The bowl-shaped group of bones connecting the trunk of the body to the legs and supporting the spine. The pelvis includes the hip bones and the lower part of the backbone.

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Etymology

Origin of pelvis

1605–15; < New Latin; Latin: basin; akin to Greek pellís bowl

Example Sentences

“We are passionate about finding answers for the families,” says Dr. Hourani, sipping coffee in his office while a colleague in a white hazmat suit uses a sink to rinse mud off a human pelvis.

From The Wall Street Journal

At University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, scans revealed Leah had injuries including eight broken ribs, a shattered hip, three breaks in her pelvis, a fractured right foot and a punctured lung.

From BBC

Muhammad was shot in the pelvis and rushed by car to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.

From BBC

At the Bowl, Oldham came onstage in a wheelchair, which prompted Nelson to explain that the 82-year-old had cracked his pelvis in a “freak basketball accident” the other day.

From Los Angeles Times

He suffered nine broken ribs and a collapsed lung and fractured his pelvis and collarbone.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abdomen
• gut
• insides
• tank
• tummy