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

According to the hospital, the new mother was born with two cervixes and two uteruses, a condition called uterine didelphys found in about 1 in 2,000 women. —Cnn Staff, CNN, 1 Oct. 2024

Transgender men who previously had or have a cervix are still at risk for cervical cancer—but research has shown that, in comparison to cisgender women, TGD people are much less likely to get screened for cervical cancer. —Maggie O'Neill, Health, 28 Sep. 2024

What This Means For You People with a cervix who are older than 21 years old should periodically get screened for cervical cancer using an HPV test or Pap test. —Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 25 Sep. 2024

If someone's cervix is tightly closed, having the IUD inserter go through will be more painful. —Alyssa Goldberg, USA TODAY, 24 Oct. 2024

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