pessary

[ pes-uh-ree ]

noun,plural pes·sa·ries.Medicine/Medical.

a device worn in the vagina to support a displaced uterus.
a vaginal suppository.

diaphragm (def. 4).

Origin of pessary

1350–1400; Middle English pessarie<Late Latin pessārium a suppository, equivalent to Latin pess(um), pess(us) (<Greek pessós oval stone used in a game) + -ārium-ary

Words Nearby pessary

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use pessary in a sentence

The results which have so far obtained do not appear to be so good as those resulting from the use of a well-fitting pessary.
A System of Operative Surgery, Volume IV (of 4) | Various
It seems inartistic and sordid to insert a pessary or a suppository in anticipation of the sexual act.
Family Limitation | Margaret Sanger
Wash the pessary in clear cold water, dry well and place away in the box.
Family Limitation | Margaret Sanger
In my estimation a well fitted pessary is the surest method of absolutely preventing conception.
Family Limitation | Margaret Sanger
Personally I recommend every woman to use a well fitted pessary and learn to adjust it.
Family Limitation | Margaret Sanger

British Dictionary definitions for pessary

pessary

/ (ˈpɛsərɪ) /

nounplural -ries med

a device for inserting into the vagina, either as a support for the uterus or (diaphragm pessary) to deliver a drug, such as a contraceptive
a medicated vaginal suppository

Origin of pessary

C14: from Late Latin pessārium, from Latin pessum, from Greek pessos plug

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

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