pelvis

[pel-vis]

noun

Anatomy, Zoology.

plural

pelvises, pelves 

1. the basinlike cavity in the lower part of the trunk of many vertebrates, formed in humans by the innominate bones, sacrum, etc.

2. the bones forming this cavity.

3. the cavity of the kidney that receives the urine before it is passed into the ureter.

pelvis

/ ˈpɛlvɪs /

noun

1. the large funnel-shaped structure at the lower end of the trunk of most vertebrates: in man it is formed by the hipbones and sacrum

2. the bones that form this structure

3. any anatomical cavity or structure shaped like a funnel or cup

4. short for renal pelvis

pelvis

plural

pelvises 

1. The basin-shaped structure in vertebrate animals that joins the spine and lower or hind limbs. In primates, the pelvis is composed of the two hipbones joined to the sacrum. It contains, protects, and supports the intestines, bladder, and internal reproductive organs.

pelvis

1. The bowl-shaped group of bones connecting the trunk of the body to the legs and supporting the spine. The pelvis includes the hip bones and the lower part of the backbone.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pelvis¹

1605–15; < New Latin; Latin: basin; akin to Greek pellís bowl

Word History and Origins

Origin of pelvis¹

C17: from Latin: basin, laver

Example Sentences

He suffered nine broken ribs and a collapsed lung and fractured his pelvis and collarbone.

From Los Angeles Times

It starts with ‘the bowl’ — essentially his hip/pelvis/lower-back area.

From Los Angeles Times

For the uninitiated, the “bowl” is essentially a player’s hip/pelvis/lower-back area.

From Los Angeles Times

Compensating for bouncing breasts by restricting the movement of your upper body alters the positioning of the pelvis and shortens the length of each stride.

From BBC

There were also fractures on his pelvis in multiple places.

From BBC

Related Words

• abdomen 
• gut 
• insides 
• tank 
• tummy