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epiglottis

(ep′ə glät′is)

noun

the thin, triangular, lidlike piece of cartilage that folds back over the opening of the windpipe during swallowing, thus preventing food, etc. from entering the lungs

Origin: ModL < Gr epiglōttis: see epi- & glottis

Related Forms:

epiglottal adjective or epiglottic

See epiglottis in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. ep·i·glot·tis·es or ep·i·glot·ti·des (-glŏtˈĭ-dēzˌ)

The thin elastic cartilaginous structure located at the root of the tongue that folds over the glottis to prevent food and liquid from entering the trachea during the act of swallowing.

Origin:

Origin: Greek epiglōttis

Origin: : epi-, epi-

Origin: + glōttis, glottis; see glottis

Related Forms: