How Do You Spell SACROCOCCYGEAL?

Pronunciation: [sˈakɹəkˌɒka͡ɪd͡ʒə͡l] (IPA)

The word "sacrococcygeal" refers to the junction between the sacrum and the coccyx bones in the spinal column. Its spelling can be a bit daunting, but it can be broken down into smaller parts: "sacro-" comes from the Latin "sacrum" meaning "sacred bone," and "coccygeal" refers to the coccyx bone. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /seɪkroʊkɪˈdʒiːəl/. Understanding the etymology and breaking down the spelling into smaller components can help make this long word easier to spell and understand.

SACROCOCCYGEAL Meaning and Definition

1. Sacrococcygeal is an adjective that relates to or refers to the sacrum and coccyx, which are the lowest segments of the vertebral column in humans and many other mammals. The sacrum is a triangular bone located at the base of the spine, formed by the fusion of five vertebrae. The coccyx, commonly known as the tailbone, is a small triangular bone located below the sacrum, formed by the fusion of four or sometimes five vertebrae.

   When used in medical terminology, sacrococcygeal typically refers to structures, conditions, or procedures involving or affecting the sacrum and coccyx. For example, sacrococcygeal joint refers to the joint between the sacrum and the coccyx, whereas sacrococcygeal ligament refers to the ligaments that connect these two bones.

   Sacrococcygeal can also be used to describe certain medical conditions, such as sacrococcygeal teratoma, which is a tumor that forms in the sacrococcygeal area, usually during fetal development. Additionally, sacrococcygeal pain is a subjective sensation of discomfort or pain experienced in the sacrum and/or coccyx.

   In summary, sacrococcygeal pertains to the sacrum and coccyx, either anatomically, physiologically, or in relation to medical conditions or procedures associated with these lower segments of the vertebral column.

2. Relating to both sacrum and coccyx.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for SACROCOCCYGEAL

• Sacroccygeal
• Sacrococygial

Etymology of SACROCOCCYGEAL

The word "sacrococcygeal" derives from combining the terms "sacrum" and "coccyx", two anatomical structures in the human body.

The word "sacrum" comes from the Latin word "sacer", meaning sacred or holy. In ancient Rome, the sacrum was considered a sacred bone.

The term "coccyx" comes from the Greek word "kokkux", which means cuckoo or a similar bird. This is due to the shape of the coccyx, resembling the beak of a cuckoo.

Combining these two terms, "sacrococcygeal" refers to anything related to or located between the sacrum and the coccyx, typically referring to an anatomical site or medical condition in this area.