HeyRuaHow to say “cavity” in Irish
- Irish:
- cuas
- English:
- cavity, cove, sinus
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “koo-us” /kuəsˠ/
- Plural:
- cuasa (cavities)
- Genitive singular:
- cuais, an chuais (e.g. béal an chuais, the mouth of the cavity)
- Genitive plural:
- cuas, na gcuas (e.g. ballaí na gcuas, the walls of the cavities)
What does “cuas” mean?
“Cuas” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- cavity
- A hollow space inside something, such as a hole in a tree, rock or the body.Also: hollow, recess, hole.
2 other meanings: cove or sinus
- 2cove
- A small sheltered bay or inlet on the coast.Also: creek, inlet, small bay.
- 3sinus
- An anatomical cavity, such as a sinus or the socket of a joint.Also: socket, body cavity.
“Cuas” with the article
The plural of cavity in Irish is cuasa. Here is cuas after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cuas” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cuas, the Irish word for cavity.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Cavity in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for cavity?
The Irish for cavity is cuas (pronounced “koo-us”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cuasa. Depending on context it can also mean cove or sinus.
How do you pronounce cuas in Irish?
Cuas is said like “koo-us” (IPA /kuəsˠ/).
What is the plural of cavity in Irish?
The plural of cuas is cuasa; with the article, na cuasa means “the cavities”. The genitive plural is cuas, as in ballaí na gcuas (the walls of the cavities).
Does cuas have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cuas can mean cavity, cove or sinus, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cuas change to chuas or gcuas?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cuas becomes mo chuas (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcuas (eclipsis).
What is the difference between cuas and bá?
Cuas is a small cove or creek, while bá is a larger bay, as in Bá Bhaile Átha Cliath.
Can cuas be used for a tooth cavity?
Yes, cuas can mean any cavity, so cuas i bhfiacail is a cavity in a tooth, though poll is also common in speech.
