epiglottis
a thin, valvelike, cartilaginous structure that covers the glottis during swallowing, preventing the entrance of food and drink into the larynx.
Origin of epiglottis
1Other words from epiglottis
- ep·i·glot·tal, ep·i·glot·tic, ep·i·glot·tid·e·an [ep-i-glo-tid-ee-uhn], /ˌɛp ɪ glɒˈtɪd i ən/, adjective
- sub·ep·i·glot·tal, adjective
- sub·ep·i·glot·tic, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for epiglottis
/ (ˌɛpɪˈɡlɒtɪs) /
a thin cartilaginous flap that covers the entrance to the larynx during swallowing, preventing food from entering the trachea
Derived forms of epiglottis
- epiglottal or epiglottic, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for epiglottis
[ ĕp′ĭ-glŏt′ĭs ]
A thin, triangular plate of cartilage at the base of the tongue that covers the glottis during swallowing to keep food from entering the trachea.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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