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

On March 13, Serena Mancera, then 31 weeks pregnant, was supposed to be on bed rest due to her placenta previa, a condition where the placenta blocked all or part of her cervix. —Brian Brant, People.com, 11 May 2025

Health professionals can remove abnormal growths on the cervix, as well as genital warts. —Liz Szabo, NBC News, 22 Mar. 2025

In 2014, the FDA approved the first primary HPV test—for use in place of a Pap, in some people—but the cells still had to get plucked from your cervix by a doctor via a pelvic exam, so the experience stayed the same. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 9 May 2025

Cervical mucus is fluid produced by glands within the cervix. —Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 5 May 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