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epiglottis Definition

epi·glot·tis (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

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

epiglottis Related Forms
ep′i·glot′·tal adjective or ep′i·glot′·tic

Browse dictionary entries near epiglottis

  1. ‹ epigeous
  2. ‹ epigenous
  3. ‹ epigenetic
  4. ‹ epigenesis
  5. ‹ epigene
  6. ‹ epigeal
  7. ‹ epigastrium
  8. ‹ epigastric
  9. ‹ epifocal
  10. ‹ epifauna
  1. epigone ›
  2. epigram ›
  3. epigrammatic ›
  4. epigrammatism ›
  5. epigrammatize ›
  6. epigraph ›
  7. epigraphic ›
  8. epigraphist ›
  9. epigraphy ›
  10. epigynous ›