glottis

American  

[glot-is] / ˈglɒt ɪs /

noun

Anatomy.

plural

glottises, glottides

1. the opening at the upper part of the larynx, between the vocal cords.

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glottis British  

/ ɡlɒˈtɪdɪən, ˈɡlɒtɪs /

noun

1. the vocal apparatus of the larynx, consisting of the two true vocal cords and the opening between them

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glottis Scientific  

/ glŏt′ĭs /

plural

glottises

1. The part of the larynx that contains the vocal cords and the space between them.

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Other Word Forms

• glottidean adjective

Etymology

Origin of glottis

1570–80; < New Latin < Greek ( Attic ) glōttís, derivative of glôtta tongue (Ionic glôssa; gloss ² )

Compare meaning

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

• glottis vs. epiglottis

Example Sentences

It’s actually a glottal sound, meaning it emanates from the glottis, in the back of the throat — a muscle English speakers don’t get to exercise much.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 21, 2022

He’s seen every affliction: bacteria, broken bones, even a rare case of balloon syndrome, in which a damaged glottis caused a hedgehog to inflate to the size of a beach ball.

From The Guardian • Aug. 5, 2018

Her dentist father gave the anatomically correct translation: Close off your glottis.

From Washington Times • Jun. 12, 2016

You help this process by a voluntary procedure called Valsalva’s maneuver, in which you increase intra-abdominal pressure by contracting your diaphragm and abdominal wall muscles, and closing your glottis.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The part of the larynx most concerned in producing the voice is the glottis, or narrow opening of the windpipe, having the epiglottis suspended over it like a valve.

From Curiosities of Medical Experience by Millingen, J. G. (John Gideon)