pelvic girdle

American  

noun

1. (in vertebrates) a bony or cartilaginous arch supporting the hind limbs or analogous parts.

2. (in humans) the arch formed by the ilium, ischium, and pubis.

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pelvic girdle British  

noun

1. the skeletal structure to which the lower limbs in man, and the hind limbs or corresponding parts in other vertebrates, are attached

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Etymology

Origin of pelvic girdle

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

The team found a partial skeleton encased in rock that included portions of the lower jaw, vertebrae, and pelvic girdle.

From Science Daily • Nov. 12, 2025

In fish, the pelvic fins and bones of the pelvic girdle are relatively small and float freely in the body.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2024

To date, they have found parts of the posterior portion of its carapace, or shell, and most of the pelvic girdle, but no skull, tail or limbs.

From Reuters • Nov. 17, 2022

Because it is responsible for bearing the weight of the body and for locomotion, the pelvic girdle is securely attached to the axial skeleton by strong ligaments.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

It naturally follows that greater injury is done when the pelvic girdle is broken than when it is not, except in cases where the acetabulum is involved and its brim not completely divided.

From Lameness of the Horse Veterinary Practitioners' Series, No. 1 by Lacroix, John Victor