os
6 synonyms for os, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — In anatomy, a bone, or an opening shaped like a mouth — most commonly the opening at either end of the cervix.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
Borrowed directly from Latin os, meaning "bone."
Full origin of os →Frequently asked questions
What does “os” mean?
The word “os” means in anatomy, a bone, or an opening shaped like a mouth — most commonly the opening at either end of the cervix. In plain terms, a technical term, mainly used in medicine for a bodily opening (especially the cervix) and in geology for a ridge of glacial debris.
How do you pronounce “os”?
“Os” is pronounced os (/ɑs/ in IPA).
How do you use “os” in a sentence?
Here is “os” used in a sentence: “The doctor checked the dilation of the cervical os during labour.”
What part of speech is “os”?
“Os” is a noun.
Where does the word “os” come from?
The word “os” comes from Latin. Borrowed directly from Latin os, meaning "bone.".
Is “os” a common word?
“Os” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “os” have?
“Os” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in anatomy, a bone, or an opening shaped like a mouth — most commonly the opening at either end of the cervix.
What is the difference between os in anatomy and os in geology?
In anatomy, os means a bone or a mouth-shaped opening, most often the opening at either end of the cervix. In geology, os is an entirely separate term for a long, winding ridge of sand and gravel left behind by a melting glacier.
Is os the same as an esker?
Yes. In geology, os is another name for an esker, the long, winding ridge of sand and gravel deposited by a melting glacier. The two words describe the same landform.
