pessary

noun

pes·​sa·​ry ˈpe-sə-rē 

plural pessaries

1

: a vaginal suppository

2

: a device worn in the vagina to support the uterus, remedy a malposition, or prevent conception

Examples of pessary in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The pessaries were for use by women for whom pregnancy would be too risky. —Todd J. Gillman, Dallas News, 12 May 2023

Many women with mild symptoms will do well with conservative treatment such as a vaginal pessary, a silicone device that supports the pelvic organ. —Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 8 Aug. 2022

There are many therapies for incontinence, from bladder training, pelvic floor exercises, pessaries, medications, injections and surgeries. —New York Times, 14 Jan. 2020

Other implants, like plastic urinary pessaries or penile pumps, would never even be seen by a crematory worker. —Hayley Campbell, WIRED, 27 Mar. 2018

Some, like this bronze Roman pessary dated between 200 B.C. and 400 C.E., were used to support the uterus. —National Geographic, 19 Feb. 2016

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pessarie, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin pessarium, from pessus, pessum pessary, from Greek pessos oval stone for playing checkers, pessary

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

pessary

noun

pes·​sa·​ry ˈpes-ə-rē 

plural pessaries

1

: a vaginal suppository

2

: a device worn in the vagina to support the uterus, remedy a malposition, or prevent conception