sphenoid

[ sfee-noid ]

adjective

1. being in the shape of a wedge; wedge-shaped.
2. Anatomy. of or relating to the compound bone of the base of the skull, at the roof of the pharynx.

noun

1. Anatomy. the sphenoid bone.

sphenoid

/ ˈsfiːnɔɪd /

adjective

1. wedge-shaped
2. of or relating to the sphenoid bone

noun

1. See sphenoid bone

Other Words From

• post·sphenoid adjective
• pre·sphenoid adjective
• sub·sphenoid adjective
• subsphe·noidal adjective
• super·sphenoid adjective
• super·sphe·noidal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sphenoid¹

1725–35; < New Latin sphēnoīdēs < Greek sphēnoeidḗs. See sphen-, -oid

Example Sentences

Tapeisocephaly (low head) is due to synostosis of the great wings of the sphenoid with the frontal.

From Project Gutenberg

The sphenoid condyles, seen in posterior view, issue from the dorsal margin of the notochordal socket.

From Project Gutenberg

It lies opposite the upper part of the ali-sphenoid, where it articulates with the parietal and squamous-temporal.

From Project Gutenberg

The most regular and beautiful forms, and the ones that are commonest in our racial stocks are the ellipsoid, ovoid and sphenoid.

From Project Gutenberg

These cavities are bounded superiorly by the sphenoid and 390 ethmoid bones; inferiorly, by the hard palate.

From Project Gutenberg