mastoid
Americanadjective
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shaped like a nipple or breast
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designating or relating to a nipple-like process of the temporal bone behind the ear
noun
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the mastoid process
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informal mastoiditis
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of mastoid
1725–35; < New Latin mastoīdēs < Greek mastoeidḗs. See masto-, -oid
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
From the mastoid they created a 2-millimeter opening — roughly the width of a spaghetti noodle — into the middle ear.
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
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