coccyx
Americannoun
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a small triangular bone forming the lower extremity of the spinal column in humans, consisting of four ankylosed rudimentary vertebrae.
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a corresponding part in certain animals.
noun
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A small triangular bone at the base of the spine in humans and apes. It is composed of several fused vertebrae.
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Also called tailbone
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Etymology
Origin of coccyx
1605–15; < New Latin < Greek kókkyx cuckoo, from its resemblance to a cuckoo's beak
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Figure 7.29 Sacrum and Coccyx The sacrum is formed from the fusion of five sacral vertebrae, whose lines of fusion are indicated by the transverse ridges.
From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013
Coccyx, in the human embryo; convoluted body at the extremity of the; imbedded in the body.
From The Descent of Man by Darwin, Charles
An Account of its proper Dressing and Bandage hath been already given in the Fracture of the Coccyx.
From The Compleat Surgeon or, the whole Art of Surgery explain'd in a most familiar Method. by Le Clerc, Charles Gabriel
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
