cervix

noun

cer·​vix ˈsər-viks 

plural cervices ˈsər-və-ˌsēz 

(ˌ)sər-ˈvī-(ˌ)sēz

or cervixes

1

: neck

especially : the back part of the neck

2

: a constricted portion of an organ or part

especially : the narrow outer end of the uterus

Examples of cervix in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Cervical insufficiency, also referred to as an incompetent cervix, is a condition that occurs typically in the second trimester (typically between 14-24 weeks) when the cervical canal prematurely dilates and effaces, often leading to miscarriage or preterm birth. —Essence, 11 Apr. 2025

If a patient’s water breaks or her cervix opens, that risk rises with every passing hour. —CNN, 21 Feb. 2025

The American Cancer Society recommends that cervical cancer screening start at age 25 for anyone with a cervix. —Michelle Pugle, Health, 4 Sep. 2024

Though her fetus was already pressing against her cervix, doctors waited 40 hours until the fetal heartbeat stopped to inducea delivery, putting her at serious risk of deadly infection. —Kavitha Surana, ProPublica, 27 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin cervic-, cervix

First Known Use

1694, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

cervix

noun

cer·​vix ˈsər-viks 

plural cervices ˈsər-və-ˌsēz  or cervixes

: the narrow outer end of the uterus that opens into the cavity of the vagina

Medical Definition

cervix

noun

cer·​vix ˈsər-viks 

plural cervices -və-ˌsēz, ˌsər-ˈvī-(ˌ)sēz  or cervixes

1

: neck sense 1a

especially : the back part of the neck

2

: a constricted portion of an organ or part: as

a

: the narrow lower or outer end of the uterus

b

: the constricted cementoenamel junction on a tooth