cervix
Meaning
the narrow lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.
any neck-like anatomical structure, especially the neck of the uterus.
Structure
Usage
regular screening tests can detect early changes in the cells of the cervix.
during childbirth, the cervix dilates to allow the baby to pass through.
the doctor explained the procedure for a cervical biopsy.
Etymology
the word 'cervix' is a direct borrowing from latin, where cervīx specifically meant 'neck'. in anatomical latin, it was applied to denote the neck of an organ, most notably the uterus. the modern english term retains this precise anatomical sense, narrowing from the general concept of a 'neck' to refer almost exclusively to the narrow, cylindrical passage forming the lower part of the uterus. this evolution from a general body part to a specific medical term illustrates the influence of latin on scientific and medical terminology.
Analysis
cerv is from latin cervīx, meaning 'neck'. ix is a latin noun-forming suffix.