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; see epi-, glottis

Compare meaning

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

• glottis vs. epiglottis

Example Sentences

Included in the upper respiratory tract are the Nostrils, Nasal Cavities, Pharynx, Epiglottis, and the Larynx.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

Epiglottis Remembered Fritz Reiner is the able conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony.

From Time Magazine Archive

Epiglottis is a cartilaginous plate behind the tongue, which covers the glottis like a lid during the act of swallowing, and thus prevents foreign bodies from entering the larynx.

From The New Gresham Encyclopedia Volume 4, Part 2: Ebert to Estremadura by Various

Epiglottis, thyroid and cricoid cartilages, etc. 78-79 27.

From Voice Production in Singing and Speaking Based on Scientific Principles (Fourth Edition, Revised and Enlarged) by Mills, Wesley

The opening of this tube is the Glottis, and the little trap-door which closes it when one swallows, is the Epiglottis.

From The History of a Mouthful of Bread And its effect on the organization of men and animals by Macé, Jean