# the Latin for cervix is cervix uteri, which literally translates as “the neck of the uterus” > cervical (adj.): 1680s, "of or pertaining to the neck," from French cervical, from Latin cervix (see [cervix](https://www.etymonline.com/word/cervix?ref=etymonline_crossreference "Etymology, meaning and definition of cervix")). The meaning "of or pertaining to the neck of the womb" attested by 1832.[[Cervix Etymology#^dj3bv]] > cervix (n.): early 15c., "ligament in the neck," from Latin cervix "the neck, nape of the neck," from PIE *kerw-o-, from root [*ker-](https://www.etymonline.com/word/*ker-?ref=etymonline_crossreference#etymonline_v_52641 "Etymology, meaning and definition of *ker-") (1) "horn; head." Applied to various neck-like structures of the body, especially that of the uterus (by 1702), where it is shortened from medical Latin cervix uteri (17c.). Sometimes in 18c.-19c. medical writing it is cervix of the uterus to distinguish it from the neck.[[Cervix Etymology#^whlsn]]