pelvis
UK[ˈpelvɪs]US[ˈpelvɪs]
n
the wide curved set of bones at the bottom of the body that the legs and spine are connected to
n
the structure formed by this set of bones
Etymology
the word "pelvis" was borrowed directly from latin, where it meant "basin" or "wash basin." this latin term is believed to be derived from the proto-indo-european root pel- meaning "container," which also gave rise to words like "vessel." the anatomical application is a metaphorical extension, as the bony structure was thought by ancient anatomists to resemble the shape of a shallow basin or bowl. this elegant metaphor, linking a common household object to a complex skeletal structure, has persisted unchanged in its core meaning from latin into modern medical and general english.
Analysis
the word is a simplex loanword from latin. it does not contain separable morphemes in its modern english spelling.
Examples
the baby's head was positioned low in her pelvis.
a fracture of the pelvis can be a serious injury.
the anthropologist measured the ancient skeleton's pelvis to determine its sex.