parotid

[puh-rot-id]

noun

1. Also called parotid gland. a salivary gland situated at the base of each ear.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or situated near either parotid.

parotid

/ pəˈrɒtɪd /

adjective

1. relating to or situated near the parotid gland

noun

1. See parotid gland

Other Word Forms

• parotidean adjective
• postparotid adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of parotid¹

1680–90; < New Latin parōtid- (stem of parōtis ) parotid gland; Latin: tumor near the ear < Greek parōtís. See par-, oto-

Word History and Origins

Origin of parotid¹

C17: via French, via Latin from Greek parōtis, from _para- ¹ (near) + -ōtis, from ous ear

Example Sentences

She was told she required parotidectomy surgery which involved removing part of a major salivary gland in her cheek called the parotid gland.

Read more on BBC

The warty amphibian can secrete a milky poison from the parotid glands behind its shoulders that can be fatal to wildlife.

Read more on Washington Post

The study analyzed the effects of inhaling the vapor of dried toad secretion from the parotid gland, which is found near the toad’s eyes.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Billows has been undergoing treatment for parotid salivary cancer since November 2020 and wants to spend more time with his family.

Read more on Seattle Times

Radiation damage to the parotid glands can lead to long-term dryness of the mouth, and treatment plans designed to avoid the glands reduce the risk of damage.

Read more on Nature