pelvis
[ pel-vis ]
/ ˈpɛl vɪs /
noun, plural pel·vis·es, pel·ves [pel-veez] /ˈpɛl viz/. Anatomy, Zoology.
the basinlike cavity in the lower part of the trunk of many vertebrates, formed in humans by the innominate bones, sacrum, etc.
the bones forming this cavity.
the cavity of the kidney that receives the urine before it is passed into the ureter.
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Origin of pelvis
1605–15; < New Latin; Latin: basin; akin to Greek pellís bowl
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for pelvis
British Dictionary definitions for pelvis
pelvis
/ (ˈpɛlvɪs) /
noun plural -vises or -ves (-viːz)
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
the bones that form this structure
any anatomical cavity or structure shaped like a funnel or cup
short for renal pelvis
Word Origin for pelvis
C17: from Latin: basin, laver
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Medicine definitions for pelvis
pelvis
[ pĕl′vĭs ]
n. pl. pel•vis•es
A basin-shaped structure of the vertebrate skeleton, composed of the innominate bones on the sides, the pubis in front, and the sacrum and coccyx behind, that rests on the lower limbs and supports the spinal column.
The cavity formed by this structure.
A basinlike or cup-shaped anatomical cavity.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Science definitions for pelvis
pelvis
[ pĕl′vĭs ]
Plural pelvises pelves (pĕl′vēz)
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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Culture definitions for pelvis
pelvis
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.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.