coccyx

[ kok-siks ]
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noun,plural coc·cy·ges [kok-sahy-jeez, kok-si-jeez]. /kɒkˈsaɪ dʒiz, ˈkɒk sɪˌdʒiz/.
  1. a small triangular bone forming the lower extremity of the spinal column in humans, consisting of four ankylosed rudimentary vertebrae.

  2. a corresponding part in certain animals.

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Origin of coccyx

1
1605–15; <New Latin <Greek kókkyx cuckoo, from its resemblance to a cuckoo's beak

Other words from coccyx

  • coc·cyg·e·al [kok-sij-ee-uhl, -sij-uhl], /kɒkˈsɪdʒ i əl, -ˈsɪdʒ əl/, adjective
  • in·ter·coc·cyg·e·al, adjective
  • pre·coc·cyg·e·al, adjective

Words Nearby coccyx

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How to use coccyx in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for coccyx

coccyx

/ (ˈkɒksɪks) /


nounplural coccyges (kɒkˈsaɪdʒiːz)
  1. a small triangular bone at the end of the spinal column in man and some apes, representing a vestigial tail

Origin of coccyx

1
C17: from New Latin, from Greek kokkux cuckoo, of imitative origin; from the likeness of the bone to a cuckoo's beak

Derived forms of coccyx

  • coccygeal (kɒkˈsɪdʒɪəl), adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for coccyx

coccyx

[ kŏksĭks ]


Plural coccyges (kŏk-sījēz, kŏksĭ-jēz′)
  1. A small triangular bone at the base of the spine in humans and apes. It is composed of several fused vertebrae. Also called tailbone

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