pelvis Hear it!

pelvis definition

pel·vis (pel′vis)

noun pl. pelvises -·vises or pelves -·ves′ (-vēz′)

Anat., Zool. any basinlike or funnel-shaped structure; specif.,
  1. the basinlike cavity formed by the ring of bones of the pelvic girdle in the posterior part of the trunk in many vertebrates: in humans, it is formed by the ilium, ischium, pubis, coccyx, and sacrum, supporting the spinal column and resting upon the legs
  2. these bones collectively; pelvic girdle
  3. the funnel-shaped part of the kidney leading into the ureter

Etymology: ModL < L, basin < IE base *pel-, container > ON, OE full, cup

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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