parotid

American  

[puh-rot-id] / pəˈrɒt ɪd /

noun

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

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adjective

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

parotid British  

/ pəˈrɒtɪd /

adjective

1. relating to or situated near the parotid gland

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noun

1. See parotid gland

Other Word Forms

• parotidean adjective
• postparotid adjective

Etymology

Origin of parotid

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

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.

From BBC

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

From Washington Post

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

From 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.

From Nature

This is a result of the mumps virus causing the swelling and inflammation of one or both parotid glands, which sit in front of the ears.

From BBC