a cavity

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A small hole or empty space inside something solid, especially a hole in a tooth caused by decay.

   Grammar: Countable; use 'a cavity' for one, 'cavities' for more than one. Often followed by 'in': a cavity in a tooth.

   Patterns

   • a cavity in something
   • have a cavity
   • fill a cavity

   The dentist found a cavity in one of my back teeth.

   She had two cavities filled last week.

   Regular brushing helps prevent cavities.

2. 2nouncountabletechnical

   A hollow space or hole inside a solid object or body part.

   Grammar: Countable; often used with 'in' or 'within': a cavity in the chest.

   Patterns

   • a cavity in something
   • the chest cavity
   • a cavity wall

   The surgeon made a small opening into the abdominal cavity.

   The geode has a beautiful crystal-lined cavity inside.

   Birds use tree cavities for nesting.

Word forms

Common combinations

tooth cavity

A tooth cavity can be painful if left untreated.

cavity wall

The house has cavity walls for better insulation.

fill a cavity

The dentist will fill the cavity tomorrow.

nasal cavity

The nasal cavity warms the air you breathe.

Synonyms and how they differ

hole

A general word for an opening or empty space; 'cavity' is more technical and often suggests a space inside something.

hollow

A small empty space or depression, often in a surface; 'cavity' can be larger and more enclosed.

caries

A medical term for tooth decay; 'cavity' is the everyday word for the hole that decay creates.

Word family

cavity noun

The base noun itself; no common derived forms.

Commonly confused: a cavity or cavity vs. cave?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “a cavity”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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