cavity

noun

cav·​i·​ty ˈka-və-tē 

plural cavities

1

: an unfilled space within a mass

especially : a hollowed-out space

2

: an area of decay in a tooth : caries

Synonyms

• concavity
• dent
• depression
• dint
• hole
• hollow
• indentation
• indenture
• pit
• recess

Examples of cavity in a Sentence

Some birds nest in tree cavities.

I had two cavities filled at the dentist's.

Recent Examples on the Web

Rodenburg was told that Neanderthals had wide noses with large nasal cavities, broad rib cages, and a short voice box. —Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 5 June 2024

The Lexus storage cavity is efficiently designed without odd, unusable areas. —James Raia, The Mercury News, 29 May 2024

According to the study, the presence at the site of plant processing tools such as grinding stones, as well as a higher incidence of dental cavities and periodontal diseases, supports the predominance of plant foods in the Iberomaurusians' diet. —Erin Clack, Peoplemag, 19 May 2024

The tooth decay that leads to cavities occurs when the bacteria in your mouth form a sticky plaque on your teeth. —Tammy Davenport, Verywell Health, 28 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French cavité, borrowed from Late Latin cavitāt-, cavitās, from Latin cavus "hollow, concave" + -itāt-, -itās -ity — more at hole entry 1

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing cavity

• abdominal cavity
• body cavity
• pelvic cavity
• segmentation cavity
• spinal cavity
• thoracic cavity

Kids Definition

cavity

noun

cav·​i·​ty ˈkav-ət-ē 

plural cavities

1

: a hollow place

especially : an unfilled bodily space

lung cavity

2

: a hole hollowed out in a tooth by decay

Medical Definition

cavity

noun

cav·​i·​ty ˈkav-ət-ē 

plural cavities

1

: an unfilled space within a mass

2

: an area of decay in a tooth : caries