mastoid

American  

[mas-toid] / ˈmæs tɔɪd /

adjective

Anatomy.

1. of or relating to the mastoid process.

2. resembling a breast or nipple.

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noun

1. the mastoid process.

mastoid British  

/ ˈmæstɔɪd /

adjective

1. shaped like a nipple or breast

2. designating or relating to a nipple-like process of the temporal bone behind the ear

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noun

1. the mastoid process

2. informal mastoiditis

Other Word Forms

• intermastoid adjective
• postmastoid adjective

Etymology

Origin of mastoid

1725–35; < New Latin mastoīdēs < Greek mastoeidḗs. See masto-, -oid

Example Sentences

In part, the look of those “big eyes” was informed by a mastoid operation that permanently damaged Ms. Keane’s hearing when she was 2.

From Washington Post • Jun. 29, 2022

The Hopkins researchers eventually found the genetic signature of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in two of the three cadavers, confirming that the virus can make its way to the middle ear and mastoid.

From Salon • Jan. 17, 2022

But just behind this patient’s ear, nestled into the lower edge of the mastoid bone of the skull, was a big bright cloud of white.

From New York Times • Mar. 31, 2021

He was about to dress and find some breakfast when the alert embedded in his mastoid bone buzzed three times; it was someone in the Project attempting to get in touch with him.

From Slate • Jan. 30, 2021

So far, aside from one scare—at five, Milton had nearly died from a mastoid infection— they had both been healthy.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides