epiglottis

[ep-i-glot-is]

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.

epiglottis

/ ˌɛpɪˈɡlɒtɪs /

noun

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

epiglottis

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.

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of epiglottis¹

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