pessary — c.1400, from L.L. pessarium, from Gk. pessarion medicated tampon of wool or lint, dim. of pessos pessary, earlier oval stone used in games, perhaps of Semitic origin … Etymology dictionary
Pessary — Pes sa*ry, n.; pl. {Pessaries}. [L. pessarium, pessum, pessus, Gr. ?: cf. F. pessaire.] (Med.) (a) An instrument or device to be introduced into and worn in the vagina, to support the uterus, or remedy a malposition. (b) A medicinal substance in… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
pessary — ► NOUN (pl. pessaries) 1) a small soluble medicinal or contraceptive block inserted into the vagina. 2) a device inserted into the vagina to support the uterus. ORIGIN Latin pessarium, from Greek pessos oval stone … English terms dictionary
pessary — [pes′ə rē] n. pl. pessaries [ME pessarie < LL pessarium < pessum < Gr pessos, oval pebble] a device worn in the vagina to support a displaced uterus or to prevent conception … English World dictionary
Pessary — A pessary is a small plastic or silicone medical device which is inserted into the vagina or rectum and held in place by the pelvic floor musculature. An assortment of pessaries Contents … Wikipedia
pessary — 1. An appliance of varied form, introduced into the vagina to support the uterus or to correct any displacement. 2. A medicated vaginal suppository. [L. pessarium, fr. G. pessos, an oval stone used in certain games] … Medical dictionary
pessary — noun (plural ries) Etymology: Middle English pessarie, from Anglo French, from Late Latin pessarium, from pessus, pessum pessary, from Greek pessos oval stone for playing checkers, pessary Date: 14th century 1. a vaginal suppository 2. a device… … New Collegiate Dictionary
pessary — [[t]pe̱səri[/t]] pessaries 1) N COUNT A pessary is a small block of a medicine or a contraceptive chemical that a woman puts in her vagina. 2) N COUNT A pessary is a device that is put in a woman s vagina to support her womb … English dictionary
pessary — UK [ˈpesərɪ] / US noun [countable] Word forms pessary : singular pessary plural pessaries 1) a solid medicine or chemical substance put into a woman s vagina to cure an infection or to prevent her becoming pregnant 2) a piece of plastic put into… … English dictionary
pessary — noun a) A medical device similar to the outer ring of a contraceptive diaphragm, most commonly used to support a displaced uterus; also called therapeutic pessary. b) A diaphragm. Syn: diaphra … Wiktionary
