cervical cap
1
6.8
- noun
- /ˈsɜrvɪkəl kæp/
- Specialized
:
capuchón cervical
- A cervical cap is inserted into the vagina before intercourse to prevent sperm from reaching the uterus.
- cervical cap and diaphragm
- cervical cap and condom
- new cervical caps
Examples
-
In the late 1970s, the FDA reclassified the cervical cap.
Blog text (34) -
Re-Phil was engrossed in a pamphlet on the cervical cap.
Fiction book (1990) -
Once, there was a cervical cap dusted with cornstarch that Cara nearly popped into her mouth, thinking it was one of those German Christmas cookies.
Fiction book (1993) -
Their effectiveness can be increased when used in conjunction with other contraceptive barriers (e.g., condoms, diaphragms, sponges, cervical caps).
Blog text (2) -
Women often choose a cervical cap as a reliable barrier method of contraception.
-
To use a cervical cap effectively, it should be placed over the cervix with spermicide before sexual activity.
Synonyms
175
4.4
Methods and devices that prevent pregnancy when people have sex
15
7.0
A soft cup placed over the womb opening inside a woman's body to stop sperm reaching an egg
1
3.2
Something that stops a person from becoming pregnant
1
4.5
A thing that stops pregnancy, for example a pill or condom
1
9.9
A soft cup you put over the opening of the womb to block sperm and help prevent pregnancy
1
6.4
Something people use to prevent pregnancy, like a condom or diaphragm
A flexible cup inserted into the vagina to cover the opening to the womb and stop sperm entering
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly and transparently derived from 'cervical' (relating to the cervix) + 'cap' (a cover); a learner who knows both words can picture a small cover placed on the cervix and thus infer its contraceptive function. Although the term is medical, the compositional logic is straightforward and mirrors similar formations in other languages, making it readily comprehensible to learners who know the constituents.
Etymology
Cervical cap is named for how it works: a small cap that fits over the cervix, the 'neck' of the womb. By covering that opening it keeps sperm out, so it is used 'to prevent pregnancy'.