cavity
UK: ˈkæv.ə.ti | US: ˈkæv.ə.t̬i
n. a hollow space within a solid object or body
n. (dentistry) a decayed area in a tooth
n. (anatomy) a natural chamber or hollow structure (e.g., abdominal cavity)
cavity = cav<hollow> + ity<noun suffix>
- cav (from Latin cavus, meaning "hollow")
- ity (noun-forming suffix indicating state or condition, from Latin -itas)
Etymology Origin:
The word cavity traces back to Latin cavitas, derived from cavus (hollow). The suffix -ity was adopted into Middle English via Old French, transforming abstract Latin nouns into English terms describing states or qualities. The logical progression reflects the physical concept of "hollowness" (cav) generalized into a noun (ity) for any empty space, from teeth to anatomical structures.
The dentist found a small cavity in my molar.
The ultrasound revealed a fluid-filled cavity in the abdomen.
Engineers designed the mold with a cavity to shape the molten metal.
Cave explorers mapped every cavity in the limestone formation.
A cavity wall provides better insulation for buildings.