pelvic girdle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical
Quick answer
What does “pelvic girdle” mean?
The bony ring, formed by the two hip bones and the sacrum, to which the lower limbs are attached.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The bony ring, formed by the two hip bones and the sacrum, to which the lower limbs are attached.
In anatomical and biological contexts, the structure that connects the axial skeleton to the lower limbs and provides support for the pelvic organs.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; the term is identical and used in the same way in both varieties.
Connotations
Strictly technical/medical. No cultural or connotative differences.
Frequency
Used with equal frequency in medical, biological, and anatomical contexts in both regions. Extremely rare outside these contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “pelvic girdle” in a Sentence
The pelvic girdle + VERB (supports, connects, consists of, articulates with)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pelvic girdle” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The patient exhibited pelvic-girdle instability.
- A pelvic-girdle fracture was diagnosed.
American English
- The patient had pelvic girdle pain.
- Pelvic girdle ligaments were strained.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Common in anatomy, biology, physical anthropology, and medical textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used; replaced by 'hips' or 'pelvis'.
Technical
The primary context. Used with precision in medicine, physiotherapy, osteology, and comparative anatomy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pelvic girdle”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pelvic girdle”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pelvic girdle”
- Using it in plural form ('pelvic girdles') when referring to a single structure in one individual.
- Confusing it with 'pelvis', though they are related, the 'pelvic girdle' is a more specific component of the pelvis.
- Misspelling as 'pelvic griddle'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. The 'pelvis' is a broader term that includes the pelvic girdle (the bony ring formed by the hip bones and sacrum) plus the enclosed cavity and the organs within it. The 'pelvic girdle' is specifically the skeletal structure.
In anatomy, a 'girdle' refers to a bony ring that encircles the body and provides a point of attachment for limbs. The pelvic girdle and the pectoral (shoulder) girdle are the two main girdles in the human body.
Almost exclusively in medical situations (e.g., physiotherapy, obstetrics, orthopaedics) or in advanced biology/anatomy education. It is not part of everyday vocabulary.
Yes. Conditions like pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PGP), arthritis, or injuries can cause pain in the joints and ligaments of the pelvic girdle.
The bony ring, formed by the two hip bones and the sacrum, to which the lower limbs are attached.
Pelvic girdle is usually technical in register.
Pelvic girdle: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpel.vɪk ˌɡɜː.dəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpel.vɪk ˌɡɝː.dəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “none”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GIRDLE as a belt. The PELVIC GIRDLE is the bony 'belt' around your lower torso that your legs attach to.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FOUNDATION or PLATFORM (it supports the upper body's weight and provides an attachment point for movement).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following bones is NOT part of the pelvic girdle?