epiglottis
[ ep-i-glot-is ]
/ ˌɛp ɪˈglɒt ɪs /
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noun, plural ep·i·glot·tis·es, ep·i·glot·ti·des [ep-i-glot-i-deez]. /ˌɛp ɪˈglɒt ɪˌdiz/. Anatomy.
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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OTHER WORDS FROM epiglottis
ep·i·glot·tal, ep·i·glot·tic, ep·i·glot·tid·e·an [ep-i-glo-tid-ee-uhn], /ˌɛp ɪ glɒˈtɪd i ən/, adjectivesub·ep·i·glot·tal, adjectivesub·ep·i·glot·tic, adjectiveWords nearby epiglottis
epigenous, epigeous, epiglottic cartilage, epiglottic fold, epiglottidectomy, epiglottis, epiglottitis, epignathous, epigone, Epigoni, epigonus
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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British Dictionary definitions for epiglottis
epiglottis
/ (ˌɛpɪˈɡlɒtɪs) /
noun plural -tises or -tides (-tɪˌdiːz)
a thin cartilaginous flap that covers the entrance to the larynx during swallowing, preventing food from entering the trachea
Derived forms of epiglottis
epiglottal or epiglottic, adjectiveCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Medical definitions for epiglottis
epiglottis
[ ĕp′ĭ-glŏt′ĭs ]
n. pl. ep•i•glot•tis•es
The thin elastic cartilaginous structure located at the root of the tongue that folds over the glottis to prevent food and liquid from entering the trachea during the act of swallowing.
Other words from epiglottis
ep′i•glot′tic adj.The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scientific definitions for epiglottis
epiglottis
[ ĕp′ĭ-glŏt′ĭs ]
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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.