Cervix
/ˈsɜːr.vɪks/noun
The narrow lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.
Did you know?The term 'cervix' comes from Latin, where it means 'neck,' hinting at its anatomical position and function as a passageway.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ker-
“to cut, to separate”
Latin
Latin
cervīx
“neck; the neck of a plant or animal, or a passage”
Old French
Old French
cervix
“neck; the narrow part of an organ”
Middle English
Middle English
cervix
“the neck of the uterus, introduced from Latin”
Modern English
English
cervix
“the anatomical term for the lower part of the uterus, retained from Latin.”
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