pubis
UK[ˈpjuːbɪs]US[ˈpjuːbɪs]
n
Either of a pair of bones forming the two sides of the pelvis.
Etymology
The term originates from Latin 'os pubis', meaning 'bone of the pubes'. The Latin root 'pubes' referred to the signs of adulthood, specifically the growth of body hair in the groin area. Over time, in anatomical terminology, the word was adopted to specifically denote the frontal bone of the pelvis, located in that region of the body. Thus, the modern anatomical term retains a direct, albeit more precise, link to its Latin origin describing a part of the body associated with maturity.
Analysis
The word 'pubis' is a simplex loanword from Latin. It is the genitive form of 'pubes', meaning 'adult, full-grown' or 'the pubic hair', which itself is related to 'pubescere' (to reach puberty).
Examples
The pubis is one of the three bones that fuse to form the hip bone.
A common injury among athletes is a stress fracture in the pubis.
The two halves of the pelvis are joined at the front by the pubic symphysis, a cartilaginous joint between the pubic bones.