rhizoverbBeta
DictionarycavityHollow space
noun

cavity

KAV-uh-tee/ˈkævəti/

A hollow space within a solid body.

A dark cavity interrupts the chewing surface of the molar.

A close-up of a realistic molar with a clearly visible irregular decay hole in its chewing surface, flanked by two sound teeth for contrast.
Etymology
cavLatinhollow
+ityLatinstate or quality

The underlying meaning is 'hollowness,' which became the name for a particular hollow or empty space. A dental cavity is that same idea applied to a hole caused by tooth decay.

In context

Dr. Brett Langston | Dental Implants & Teeth2:32
if you have a little cavity right at the edge of your Bridge we can go in there and take that cavity out kind of patch it up with a nice small tooth colored filling
5 Things You Didn't Know About Dental Bridges (but should!)

More examples

  • The bird nests in a cavity inside the trunk.
  • The diagram labels the abdominal cavity.
  • The dentist fills the small cavity.

Forms

cavity · cavities

Similar words

hollow
Any empty or concave space, not specifically tooth decay.
recess
A set-back or indented area rather than necessarily an enclosed hollow.