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

However, she was soon diagnosed with a short cervix, which increases the risk of preterm birth or miscarriage. —Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025

Most humans are infected with an HPV virus at some point in their life, which can lead to the development of benign genital or skin warts, or in some cases, cancer of the cervix, head or neck. —Matthew Binnicker, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025

At 23 weeks, while at a routine ultrasound, doctors told Merton that her cervix had thinned considerably and immediately admitted her to the hospital. —Luke Chinman, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025

Those who have undergone a total hysterectomy—the removal of the uterus and cervix—for non-cancerous conditions also don’t need further Pap testing, Manucha adds. —Elizabeth Yuko, Flow Space, 4 Aug. 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