pessary

noun

pes·​sa·​ry ˈpe-sə-rē How to pronounce pessary (audio)
plural pessaries
1
: a vaginal suppository
2
: a device worn in the vagina to support the uterus, remedy a malposition, or prevent conception

Examples of pessary in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
If needed, medications like Cymbalta, devices like vaginal pessaries, or specialist treatments like urethral bulking can be used. — Robert Burakoff, Verywell Health, 15 July 2024 The pessaries were for use by women for whom pregnancy would be too risky. — Todd J. Gillman, Dallas News, 12 May 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pessarie, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin pessarium, from pessus, pessum pessary, from Greek pessos oval stone for playing checkers, pessary

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pessary was in the 14th century

Rhymes for pessary

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“Pessary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pessary. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

pessary

noun
pes·​sa·​ry ˈpes-ə-rē How to pronounce pessary (audio)
plural pessaries
1
: a vaginal suppository
2
: a device worn in the vagina to support the uterus, remedy a malposition, or prevent conception
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