Also, eth⋅moi⋅dal.of or pertaining to a bone at the base of the cranium and the root of the nose, containing numerous perforations for the filaments of the olfactory nerve.
–noun
2.
the ethmoid bone.
Origin: 1735–45; < Gk ēthmoeids sievelike; see -oid
eth·moid (ěth'moid') adj. Of, relating to, or being a light spongy bone located between the orbits, forming part of the walls and septum of the superior nasal cavity, and containing numerous perforations for the passage of the fibers of the olfactory nerves. n. The ethmoid bone.
[French ethmoïde, from Greek ēthmoeidēs, sievelike : ēthmos, strainer (from ēthein, to sift) + -oeidēs, -oid.]
Main Entry: 1eth·moid Pronunciation: 'eth-"moid Variant: oreth·moi·dal/eth-'moid-&l/ Function:adjective : of, relating to, adjoining, or being one or more bones of the walls and septum of the nasal cavity