† 1. Having a cavity: used as an epithet of those intestinal worms which have a distinct mouth and anus. (Adaptation of Cuvier’s term, vers cavitaires, in his division of intestinal worms.) Also as sb. Obs.
1835. Kirby, Hab. & Inst. Anim., I. xi. 319. The Infusories and Polypes, and the Cavitaries of that author (Cuvier).
1836–9. Todd, Cycl. Anat., II. 117/1. A third order of Cavitary Entozoa.
1847. Nat. Encycl., I. 751/2. The cavitary intestinal worms (cœlelmintha).
2. Of the nature of, or belonging to, a cavity.
1861. Hulme, trans. Moquin-Tandon, II. VII. xiii. 397. A small cavitary vesicle.
1878. Bell, Gegenbaur’s Comp. Anat., 51. The hollow cavitary system which forms the hæmal passages.
