pessary

noun

pes·​sa·​ry ˈpe-sə-rē How to pronounce pessary (audio)
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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
If needed, medications like Cymbalta, devices like vaginal pessaries, or specialist treatments like urethral bulking can be used. Robert Burakoff, Verywell Health, 15 July 2024 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

Time Traveler
The first known use of pessary was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near pessary

Cite this Entry

“Pessary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pessary. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

pessary

noun
pes·​sa·​ry ˈpes-ə-rē How to pronounce pessary (audio)
plural pessaries
1
: a vaginal suppository
2
: a device worn in the vagina to support the uterus, remedy a malposition, or prevent conception

More from Merriam-Webster on pessary

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