pelvis

noun

pel·​vis ˈpel-vəs 

plural pelvises ˈpel-və-səz  or pelves ˈpel-ˌvēz 

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 pelvis …

—Daniel W. Cramer et al.

2

: renal pelvis

Examples of pelvis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Since acupuncture alleviates pressure, this ancient practice may help relax the muscles of your pelvis and uterus. —Kimberly Zapata, Parents, 31 Aug. 2023

Plus, all that blood flow down there will make your partner's pelvis against your clit feel even more amazing than usual. —Jessica Migala, Women's Health, 28 Aug. 2023

One deputy was shot in his ballistic vest and suffered a ricochet wound that fractured his pelvis and the other deputy was struck in the upper left arm. —oregonlive, 26 July 2023

At the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, Clark described corruption and neglect, which led to his falling from his bunk while experiencing vertigo in 2021, breaking his pelvis, and being left to suffer overnight despite his pleas for help. —Andy Greenberg, WIRED, 11 July 2023

During their investigation, investigators discovered a second piece of luggage containing a human torso and small landscaping rocks, as well as a third carrying a woman's pelvis and more rocks. —Nicole Acosta, Peoplemag, 4 Aug. 2023

In total, paleontologists uncovered 13 vertebrae, four ribs and part of a pelvis from an area known as the Pisco Formation. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Aug. 2023

Wiley suffered a ruptured bladder, a cracked pelvis, and needed medical attention to retrieve the bullet still lodged in her abdomen, the GoFundMe post states. —Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 20 July 2023

Tighten your abs, shifting your pelvis slightly in front of you. —Brett Williams, Men's Health, 13 July 2023

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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

Phrases Containing pelvis

• renal pelvis

• renal pelvis

Kids Definition

pelvis

noun

pel·​vis ˈpel-vəs 

plural pelvises or pelves ˈpel-ˌvēz 

: 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 

plural pelvises -və-səz  or pelves -ˌvēz 

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

2

: pelvic cavity

3

: renal pelvis