coccyx
[ kok-siks ]
/ ˈkɒk sɪks /
noun, plural coc·cy·ges [kok-sahy-jeez, kok-si-jeez] /kɒkˈsaɪ dʒiz, ˈkɒk sɪˌdʒiz/.
a small triangular bone forming the lower extremity of the spinal column in humans, consisting of four ankylosed rudimentary vertebrae.
a corresponding part in certain animals.
Nearby words
coccygectomy, coccyges, coccygodynia, coccygotomy, coccyodynia, coccyx, coch., coch. amp., coch. mag., coch. med., coch. parv.
Origin of coccyx
1605–15; < New Latin < Greek kókkyx cuckoo, from its resemblance to a cuckoo's beak
Related formscoc·cyg·e·al [kok-sij-ee-uh l, -sij-uh l] /kɒkˈsɪdʒ i əl, -ˈsɪdʒ əl/, adjectivein·ter·coc·cyg·e·al, adjectivepre·coc·cyg·e·al, adjective
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for coccyx
British Dictionary definitions for coccyx
coccyx
/ (ˈkɒksɪks) /
noun plural coccyges (kɒkˈsaɪdʒiːz)
a small triangular bone at the end of the spinal column in man and some apes, representing a vestigial tail
Derived Formscoccygeal (kɒkˈsɪdʒɪəl), adjective
Word Origin for coccyx
C17: from New Latin, from Greek kokkux cuckoo, of imitative origin; from the likeness of the bone to a cuckoo's beak
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for coccyx
coccyx
1610s, from Latin coccyx, from Greek kokkyx "cuckoo" (from kokku, like the bird's English name echoic of its cry), so called by ancient Greek physician Galen because the bone in humans supposedly resembles a cuckoo's beak.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Medicine definitions for coccyx
coccyx
[ kŏk′sĭks ]
n. pl. coc•cy•ges (kŏk-sī′jēz, kŏk′sĭ-jēz′)
The small triangular bone located at the base of the spinal column, formed by the fusion of four rudimentary vertebrae, and articulating above with the sacrum.tailbone
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Science definitions for coccyx
coccyx
[ kŏk′sĭks ]
Plural coccyges (kŏk-sī′jēz, kŏk′sĭ-jēz′)
A small triangular bone at the base of the spine in humans and apes. It is composed of several fused vertebrae. Also called tailbone
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.