pelvis

pelvis


pel·vis    Audio Help   (pěl'vĭs)   

n.   pl. pel·vis·es or pel·ves (-vēz)
    1. A basin-shaped structure of the vertebrate skeleton, composed of the innominate bones on the sides, the pubis in front, and the sacrum and coccyx behind, that rests on the lower limbs and supports the spinal column.

    2. The cavity formed by this structure.

  1. The hollow funnel in the outlet of the kidney, into which urine is discharged before entering the ureter. Also called renal pelvis.


[Latin pēlvis, basin.]
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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
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