(gud'ĕl, gu-del' )

[William Goodell, U.S. gynecologist, 1829–1894]

Softening of the cervix; a probable sign of pregnancy that may be present during the second and third months of gestation. Palpation reveals the cervix has altered from a nonpregnant firmness similar to the tip of the nose to a softness similar to the lips. This change is due to increasing uterine vascularity and edema.