pessary (pes'ar-e)

An instrument of elastic or rigid material worn in the vagina or the uterine canal in the treatment of uterine diseases. Albert Smith p. See under Smith, cradle p. An oblong oval p. that is curved like a cradle rocker; used for retro deviation, cup p. A vaginal stem p. that is supported by an abdominal belt in which a cup at the extremity of a stem supports the cervix; used in prolapse of the uterus, galvanic p. A p. composed of different metals lor the purpose of generating a galvanic current. _ ring p. A vaginal p. shaped like a ring, stem p. One with a slender stem for introduction into the canal of the uterus. Thomas p. See under Thomas. [Lat., pe arium.]