epiglottis

noun

epi·​glot·​tis ˌe-pə-ˈglä-təs How to pronounce epiglottis (audio)
: a thin plate of flexible cartilage in front of the glottis that folds back over and protects the glottis during swallowing

Examples of epiglottis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An autopsy concluded an infection swelled Philibert’s epiglottis, a small flap of tissue at the back of the throat. Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 5 Mar. 2024 The epiglottis, a valve in your larynx that controls airflow, closes. Jenny Sweigard, Verywell Health, 1 July 2024 Such an infection of the epiglottis is rare in adults. Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 5 Mar. 2024 The larynx functions like an antechamber to the windpipe, or trachea, with a flap of tissue called the epiglottis keeping food and drink from falling down the windpipe. Kate Golembiewski, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for epiglottis 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek epiglōttis, from epi- + glōttis glottis

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of epiglottis was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near epiglottis

Cite this Entry

“Epiglottis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epiglottis. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

epiglottis

noun
epi·​glot·​tis ˌep-ə-ˈglät-əs How to pronounce epiglottis (audio)
: a thin plate of flexible cartilage in front of the glottis that folds back over and protects the glottis during swallowing
epiglottal
-ˈglät-ᵊl
adjective

Medical Definition

epiglottis

noun
epi·​glot·​tis ˌep-ə-ˈglät-əs How to pronounce epiglottis (audio)
: a thin lamella of yellow elastic cartilage that ordinarily projects upward behind the tongue and just in front of the glottis and that with the arytenoid cartilages serves to cover the glottis during the act of swallowing

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