How to Pronounce Pelvis
Definition, meaning, and phonetic spelling
Pelvis Pronunciation
PEL-vis
Stressed syllable in ALL CAPS · hyphens separate syllables
Syllable Breakdown
PEL
stress here
vis
2 syllables
What is Pelvis?
The bony basin formed by the two hip bones, the sacrum, and the coccyx. It supports the weight of the upper body, protects the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, rectum), and provides attachment for the lower limbs.
Questions About Pelvis
How do you pronounce the word 'pelvis'?
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Pelvis is pronounced PEL-vis. Say 'PEL' to rhyme with 'bell,' then add 'vis' to rhyme with 'this.' The stress falls on the first syllable, so you emphasize PEL more than vis.
What are the syllables in 'pelvis'?
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The word pelvis breaks into two syllables: PEL-vis. It's a short, two-part word that's easy to divide once you hear where the stress falls.
What is the most common mispronunciation of 'pelvis'?
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Many people accidentally stress the second syllable and say pel-VIS instead of PEL-vis. Remember that the first syllable gets the emphasis—PEL-vis—just like 'bell' gets the stress in 'bell-bottom.'
Where does the word 'pelvis' come from?
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Pelvis comes from Latin and literally means 'basin' or 'bowl.' This makes sense because the pelvis is shaped like a basin that holds and supports organs.
What does 'pelvis' mean in everyday language?
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In simple terms, your pelvis is the bony bowl-shaped structure in the lower part of your body. It's what you feel when you touch your hip bones.
Are there related words that share the root 'pelvis'?
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Yes! Words like 'pelvic' (the adjective form, as in 'pelvic bone') and 'pelvimetry' (measurement of the pelvis) all come from the same Latin root meaning 'basin.'
Can you use 'pelvis' in a sentence?
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Sure! Here's an example: 'The pelvis is one of the largest bones in the human body.' Another example: 'When doctors talk about pelvic anatomy, they are referring to structures in and around the pelvis.'
Is there a short form or abbreviation for 'pelvis'?
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There's no common abbreviation for the word 'pelvis' itself, but you will often see the adjective form 'pelvic' used in medical terms like 'pelvic floor' or 'pelvic bone.'