ostium

American  

[os-tee-uhm] / ˈɒs ti əm /

noun

plural

ostia

1. Anatomy, Zoology. a small opening or orifice, as at the end of the oviduct.

2. Zoology. one of the tiny holes in the body of a sponge.

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ostium British  

/ ˈɒstɪəm /

noun

1. any of the pores in sponges through which water enters the body

2. any of the openings in the heart of an arthropod through which blood enters

3. any similar opening

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Etymology

Origin of ostium

First recorded in 1655–65, ostium is from the Latin word ōstium entrance, river mouth

Example Sentences

Wherever the fertilized ovum remains and implants its villi the tube becomes turgid and swollen, and the abdominal ostium gradually closes.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 7 "Gyantse" to "Hallel" by Various

The porch of the ostium was supported by four columns delicately fluted and painted, the lower half in dull crimson, the upper in ochre.

From The Lion's Brood by Osborne, Duffield

The Sto ad ostium etpulso had to be brought into play with great tact.

From Recollections of My Youth by Renan, Ernest

Pathema ascended the marble steps, and passing through the richly gilded door inlaid with tortoise-shell, she stood for a moment on the mosaic floor of the ostium or entrance hall.

From The Mother of St. Nicholas A Story of Duty and Peril by Balfour, Grant

A probe is then passed into the ostium, and the anterior wall of the sinus is removed with a curette or rongeur forceps.

From Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities—Head—Neck. Sixth Edition. by Miles, Alexander