PESSARY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does pessary mean? 

• PESSARY (noun)
  The noun PESSARY has 1 sense:

1. a contraceptive device consisting of a flexible dome-shaped cup made of rubber or plastic; it is filled with spermicide and fitted over the uterine cervix

  Familiarity information: PESSARY used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• PESSARY (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A contraceptive device consisting of a flexible dome-shaped cup made of rubber or plastic; it is filled with spermicide and fitted over the uterine cervix

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Synonyms:

contraceptive diaphragm; diaphragm; pessary

Hypernyms ("pessary" is a kind of...):

birth control device; contraceptive; contraceptive device; preventative; preventive; prophylactic device (an agent or device intended to prevent conception)

 Context examples 

A mechanical support device called a pessary helps some women.

(Pelvic Support Problems, NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)