epiglottis

American  

[ep-i-glot-is] / ˌɛp ɪˈglɒt ɪs /

noun

Anatomy.

plural

epiglottises, epiglottides

1. a thin, valvelike, cartilaginous structure that covers the glottis during swallowing, preventing the entrance of food and drink into the larynx.

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epiglottis British  

/ ˌɛpɪˈɡlɒtɪs /

noun

1. a thin cartilaginous flap that covers the entrance to the larynx during swallowing, preventing food from entering the trachea

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epiglottis Scientific  

/ ĕp′ĭ-glŏt′ĭs /

1. A thin, triangular plate of cartilage at the base of the tongue that covers the glottis during swallowing to keep food from entering the trachea.

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Other Word Forms

• epiglottal adjective
• epiglottic adjective
• epiglottidean adjective
• subepiglottal adjective
• subepiglottic adjective

Etymology

Origin of epiglottis

1605–15; < Greek epiglōttís; epi-, glottis

Compare meaning

How does epiglottis compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• glottis vs. epiglottis

Example Sentences

The larynx functions like an antechamber to the windpipe, or trachea, with a flap of tissue called the epiglottis keeping food and drink from falling down the windpipe.

From New York Times

But after he finished a well-beaten sixth it was determined he had an epiglottis issue and he hasn’t raced since.

From Los Angeles Times

Normally the epiglottis, a leaf-shaped flap located at the base of the throat, folds over the trachea as we swallow to prevent the food meant for the esophagus from going down the wrong tube.

From New York Times

The suction and swallow simultaneously stimulate two nerves, the phrenic and vagus nerves, prompting the diaphragm to contract and the epiglottis — a flap that covers the windpipe during swallowing — to close.

From Seattle Times

He had to drop out four days before the race because of an entrapped epiglottis, which required minor surgery.

From Seattle Times