pelvis

noun

pel·​vis ˈpel-vəs How to pronounce pelvis (audio)
plural pelvises ˈpel-və-səz How to pronounce pelvis (audio) or pelves ˈpel-ˌvēz How to pronounce pelvis (audio)
1
: a basin-shaped structure in the skeleton of many vertebrates that is formed by the pelvic girdle and adjoining bones of the spine
During puberty, the shape of the pelvis begins to take on distinctly male or female features …Christopher Joyce and Eric Stover
Dysfunction can occur with uneven distribution of weight on the pelvis, a common and usually benign condition that can be exacerbated by running.Carol Potera
also : pelvic cavity
Endometriosis is the presence of functioning endometrial tissue outside the endometrial cavity, but usually confined to the pelvisDaniel W. Cramer et al.
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Examples of pelvis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Her brain was small, like a chimpanzee's, but her pelvis and leg bones (including a valgus knee) looked almost identical to modern humans, indicating that Australopithecus afarensis was fully bipedal, i.e., stood upright and walked erect. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 13 June 2023 In the case of Louie, Petland alleges that the Rivas family took Louie to two veterinarians between December 2022 and September 2023, both related to Louie's hip and pelvis problems. Shahid Meighan, The Enquirer, 19 Jan. 2024 Her abdominal core—a common motor in dance—is hidden in folds of fabric and in the extreme Odissi arch of the spine, which throws her pelvis back and chest forward. Jennifer Homans, The New Yorker, 8 Jan. 2024 And that is obviously Kendra almost breaking her pelvis on the balance beam. Dalton Ross, EW.com, 5 Oct. 2023 For instance, females generally develop fat stores around their pelvis and thigh during puberty, which is not seen in males, who develop a relatively larger amount of lean mass during puberty. Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 14 June 2023 Their young pelvises are not adequately developed for childbirth, and obstructions are more common. Ashley Judd, Scientific American, 5 Jan. 2024 Baldwin explained to Ripa how he’s been thinking about his physical health, and explained that ahead of his recent surgery there was a chance a nerve near his pelvis could be cut. Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 15 Dec. 2023 Both children died from their injuries and their mother, Maria Veronica Solis Munoz, suffered a crushed pelvis and several broken bones. Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 2 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pelvis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, basin; perhaps akin to Old English & Old Norse full cup

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pelvis was in 1615

Dictionary Entries Near pelvis

Cite this Entry

“Pelvis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pelvis. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

pelvis

noun
pel·​vis ˈpel-vəs How to pronounce pelvis (audio)
plural pelvises or pelves ˈpel-ˌvēz How to pronounce pelvis (audio)
: a basin-shaped structure in the skeleton of many vertebrates formed by the pelvic girdle and the nearby bones of the spine
also : its cavity

Medical Definition

pelvis

noun
pel·​vis ˈpel-vəs How to pronounce pelvis (audio)
plural pelvises -və-səz How to pronounce pelvis (audio) or pelves -ˌvēz How to pronounce pelvis (audio)
1
: a basin-shaped structure in the skeleton of many vertebrates that is formed by the pelvic girdle and adjoining bones of the spine and that in humans is bounded laterally by the two hip bones, anteriorly by the pubis, and posteriorly by the sacrum and coccyx see also false pelvis, true pelvis
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