coccyx: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, formal, medical
Quick answer
What does “coccyx” mean?
The small, triangular bone at the base of the spinal column in humans and some apes, formed of fused vertebrae.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The small, triangular bone at the base of the spinal column in humans and some apes, formed of fused vertebrae; the tailbone.
Refers broadly to the remnant structure of a tail in tailless primates. In non-technical contexts, it can informally refer to the area at the very bottom of the back where this bone is located.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or use. Both use the same term. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
None beyond the anatomical/medical.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, confined to medical, anatomical, or specific injury contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “coccyx” in a Sentence
[Subject] fractured/broke/has pain in [his/her/their] coccyx.The [adj] coccyx is located...Pain radiates from the coccyx.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coccyx” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The term cannot be verbed.
American English
- There is no verb form for 'coccyx'.
adverb
British English
- No adverbial form exists.
American English
- It is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The coccygeal nerve supplies sensation to the area.
- He suffered a coccyx fracture in the fall.
American English
- She had coccygeal pain after the long car ride.
- The coccyx injury required a special cushion.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical, biological, anatomical, and physical therapy texts and lectures.
Everyday
Rarely used in casual conversation; 'tailbone' is more common. Might be used when describing a specific injury or diagnosis from a doctor.
Technical
The standard term in human anatomy, osteology, radiology, and orthopedics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coccyx”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coccyx”
- Misspelling: 'cocyx', 'coccyxx', 'coccys'.
- Mispronunciation: /ˈkoʊ.sɪks/ (like 'cosy' with a 'ks'). Correct has a hard 'k' sound for both 'c's.
- Using it as a countable noun for multiple bones: 'coccyxes' or 'coccyges' (the latter is the correct but rare plural).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'tailbone' is the common, non-technical synonym for 'coccyx'.
The standard English plural is 'coccyxes' (/ˈkɒk.sɪk.sɪz/). The technical anatomical plural, derived from Latin, is 'coccyges' (/kɒkˈsaɪ.dʒiːz/), but it is rarely used outside of specialized medical contexts.
Yes, a coccyx fracture is possible, typically from a direct fall onto the buttocks. It is painful but usually heals on its own with rest and pain management.
The coccyx is a vestigial structure, meaning it is a remnant of our evolutionary ancestors who had tails. It now serves as an attachment point for various muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
The small, triangular bone at the base of the spinal column in humans and some apes, formed of fused vertebrae.
Coccyx is usually technical, formal, medical in register.
Coccyx: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒk.sɪks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːk.sɪks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a cuckoo clock (sounds like 'coccyx'). The pendulum at the bottom of the clock reminds you of the small bone at the very bottom of your spine.
Conceptual Metaphor
NOT APPLICABLE - The term is a literal anatomical label without common metaphorical extensions.
Practice
Quiz
What is the coccyx most commonly referred to in everyday English?