Foramen Ovale Definition

ō-vălē, -vālē, -vä-
noun
The small, oval opening in the wall that separates the atria of the heart in a normal fetus: it allows blood to bypass the nonfunctioning fetal lungs until the time of birth when it gradually closes up.
Webster's New World

Other Word Forms of Foramen Ovale

Noun

Singular:
foramen ovale
Plural:
foramen-ovales

Origin of Foramen Ovale

  • New Latin forāmen ōvāle Latin forāmen opening Medieval Latin ōvāle neuter of ōvālis oval

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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foramen ovale