Definition

A small triangular bone at the bottom of the spine, made up of several fused bones, often referred to as the tailbone.

Example

After falling, she felt pain in her coccyx.

Conversation

I heard you hurt your back while exercising.

Yeah, I landed awkwardly and now my coccyx is really sore.

That sounds painful! Have you seen a doctor about it?

Not yet, but I might need to if it doesn't get better soon.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Coccyx → The word is derived from the Greek "kokkyx" (κόκκυξ), meaning 'cuckoo'. The term refers to the shape of the bone, which resembles the beak of a cuckoo bird. The coccyx is the small bone at the base of the vertebral column in humans, often referred to as the tailbone.

Memory Tip

Imagine the shape of the coccyx resembling the beak of a cuckoo bird — that's why it's named after the cuckoo.

Visually Confused Words