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Glite Dictionary
pelvic arch

pelvic arch

7.0
The bones at the base of the spine that support the legs
  • noun
  • /ˈpɛlvɪk ɑrtʃ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : arco pélvico
  • The human pelvic arch is adapted for upright walking.

Examples

  • A fractured pelvic arch can severely affect mobility in mammals.

  • Birds have a differently shaped pelvic arch to support flight and perching.

  • The pelvic arch is crucial for bipedal locomotion.

  • Many animals rely on their pelvic arches for movement.

  • The human pelvic arch is adapted to support the body during walking and running.

  • In many mammals, the pelvic arch plays an essential role in bearing weight and facilitating movement.

  • The pelvic arch provides stability and support for the hind limbs in various vertebrate species.

Synonyms

pelvis
vspelvic arch
  • Specialized
71 4.4

A large ring of bones at the base of the spine that joins the legs to the body

is defined by its role as the lower limb support rather than by location
pelvic girdle
vspelvic arch
  • Specialized
1 5.2

A group of bones around the hips that support the legs and connect to the spine

is a general bony support for lower limbs rather than the specific bone set

Surface Forms

pelvic arch singular
pelvic arches plural

Morphology

pelvic + arch

The compound combines 'pelvic' (pertaining to the pelvis/lower torso) with 'arch' (a curved structural form), so the meaning—an arched bony structure in the pelvic region that supports the limbs—is directly inferable from the constituents. Anatomical terminology in many languages uses the same literal compositional logic, making this immediately comprehensible to learners who know both words.

Etymology

Pelvic arch combines the word pelvic, meaning the hip area, and arch, meaning a curved support. Imagine a small bone bridge that holds the body and gives a place for the legs to attach, so the term means the bones that 'support the legs' and help you walk.