pessary
noun
pes·sa·ry ˈpe-sə-rē 
plural pessaries
1
: a vaginal suppository
2
: a device worn in the vagina to support the uterus, remedy a malposition, or prevent conception
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Many women with mild symptoms will do well with conservative treatment such as a vaginal pessary, a silicone device that supports the pelvic organ. 
Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 8 Aug. 2022 There are many therapies for incontinence, from bladder training, pelvic floor exercises, pessaries, medications, injections and surgeries. New York Times, 14 Jan. 2020 Other implants, like plastic urinary pessaries or penile pumps, would never even be seen by a crematory worker. Hayley Campbell, WIRED, 27 Mar. 2018 Some, like this bronze Roman pessary dated between 200 B.C. and 400 C.E., were used to support the uterus. National Geographic, 19 Feb. 2016 Some, like this bronze Roman pessary dated between 200 B.C. and 400 C.E., were used to support the uterus. National Geographic, 19 Feb. 2016
Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 8 Aug. 2022 There are many therapies for incontinence, from bladder training, pelvic floor exercises, pessaries, medications, injections and surgeries. New York Times, 14 Jan. 2020 Other implants, like plastic urinary pessaries or penile pumps, would never even be seen by a crematory worker. Hayley Campbell, WIRED, 27 Mar. 2018 Some, like this bronze Roman pessary dated between 200 B.C. and 400 C.E., were used to support the uterus. National Geographic, 19 Feb. 2016 Some, like this bronze Roman pessary dated between 200 B.C. and 400 C.E., were used to support the uterus. National Geographic, 19 Feb. 2016 Word History
Etymology
Middle English pessarie, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin pessarium, from pessus, pessum pessary, from Greek pessos oval stone for playing checkers, pessary
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Medical Definition
pessary
noun
pes·sa·ry ˈpes-ə-rē
plural pessaries
1
: a vaginal suppository
2
: a device worn in the vagina to support the uterus, remedy a malposition, or prevent conception