cavity

noun

cav·​i·​ty ˈka-və-tē How to pronounce cavity (audio)
plural cavities
1
: an unfilled space within a mass
especially : a hollowed-out space
2
: an area of decay in a tooth : caries

Examples of cavity in a Sentence

Some birds nest in tree cavities. I had two cavities filled at the dentist's.
Recent Examples on the Web Changes in the balance of these bacteria can lead to dental issues, such as oral infections and cavities. Merve Ceylan, Health, 13 Oct. 2024 The American Academy of Pediatrics highlighted key limitations to the review by the National Institutes of Health, as well as the lifelong effects that tooth decay and cavities – a common and preventable chronic disease – can have. Deidre McPhillips, CNN, 3 Oct. 2024 Cleaning putty: on sale for $6.89 Original price: $7.99 Keep cleaning putty, on sale for less than $8 at Walmart, to quickly pick up crumbs, dust and debris in all the crevices and cavities of your car. Nora Colomer, Fox News, 26 Sep. 2024 Humans have two olfactory bulbs located in the forebrain, which are connected to each nasal cavity by the olfactory nerve. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cavity 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cavity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French cavité, borrowed from Late Latin cavitāt-, cavitās, from Latin cavus "hollow, concave" + -itāt-, -itās -ity — more at hole entry 1

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cavity was in 1541

Dictionary Entries Near cavity

Cite this Entry

“Cavity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cavity. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

cavity

noun
cav·​i·​ty ˈkav-ət-ē How to pronounce cavity (audio)
plural cavities
1
: a hollow place
especially : an unfilled bodily space
lung cavity
2
: a hole hollowed out in a tooth by decay

Medical Definition

cavity

noun
cav·​i·​ty ˈkav-ət-ē How to pronounce cavity (audio)
plural cavities
1
: an unfilled space within a mass
2
: an area of decay in a tooth : caries

More from Merriam-Webster on cavity

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