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

Hill, who now suffers from severe stage four endometriosis, added: "I've had part of my bowel removed, I've had surgery on my bladder, my pelvis, my nerves, everything."

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

If your pelvis sits at an angle—maybe because your legs are different lengths, maybe because you have scoliosis—the midline of the buttocks can tilt, and, boom, a crooked crack.

From Slate • Feb. 22, 2026

"A friend is someone who many years ago offered you his last $300 when you broke your pelvis," he would later recall.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

Suzie Dyer, 50, was left with severe injuries to her hip, back and pelvis after falling during a hike in Waterfall Country in Bannau Brycheiniog, also known as the Brecon Beacons, on New Year's Day.

From BBC • Feb. 8, 2026

Arms at the sides, knees bent, lift the pelvis, roll the backbone down.

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood

Related Words

• abdomen
• gut
• insides
• tank
• tummy