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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Origin of epiglottis

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

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, adjective

Words nearby epiglottis

epigenous, epigeous, epiglottic cartilage, epiglottic fold, epiglottidectomy, epiglottis, epiglottitis, epignathous, epigone, Epigoni, epigonus

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use epiglottis in a sentence

To this last statement the thyroid and cricoid cartilages and the epiglottis are exceptions, being single.
Voice Production in Singing and Speaking|Wesley Mills
On examination the mucous membrane round the epiglottis is seen to be enormously swollen.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 16, Slice 2|Various
Chest, diaphragm, the closed epiglottis, and the raised palate all form a supply chamber for the breath.
How to Sing|Lilli Lehmann
Removal of a portion of the epiglottis occasionally gives great relief to a patient who is suffering from dysphagia.
A System of Operative Surgery, Volume IV (of 4)|Various

Extrinsic localized malignant tumours which are attached to the epiglottis, or to the aryteno-epiglottic fold.
A System of Operative Surgery, Volume IV (of 4)|Various

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, adjective

Collins 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.

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.