Steißbein

coccyx, tailbone

noun SHTYS-byne Rare

Usage Note

Steißbein is the small triangular bone at the base of the spine, the evolutionary remnant of a tail. Falling hard on it causes intense pain, so the word comes up in everyday conversation after accidents or sport injuries.

Examples

"Sie ist auf das Steißbein gefallen und kann kaum sitzen."

Natural Translation

She fell on her coccyx and can barely sit.

Literal Translation

She is on the tailbone fallen and can barely sit.

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