foramen
noun
fo·ra·men
fə-ˈrā-mən 
plural foramina
fə-ˈra-mə-nə
or foramens
fə-ˈrā-mənz
or foramens
fə-ˈrā-mənz
: a small opening, perforation, or orifice : fenestra
Examples of foramen in a Sentence
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In modern humans, the upper portion of the foramen is commonly V-shaped.
—
David W. Frayer, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2022
Another view of the monitor lizard skull fossil fragment, on which both the parietal and pineal foramina are visible (in yellow).
—Amina Khan, latimes.com, 3 Apr. 2018
This posture maximizes the narrowing of the nerve-root opening, known as a foramen.
—H Lee Kagan, Discover Magazine, 2 Apr. 2015
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David W. Frayer, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2022
Another view of the monitor lizard skull fossil fragment, on which both the parietal and pineal foramina are visible (in yellow).
—Amina Khan, latimes.com, 3 Apr. 2018
This posture maximizes the narrowing of the nerve-root opening, known as a foramen.
—H Lee Kagan, Discover Magazine, 2 Apr. 2015
Cite this Entry
“Foramen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foramen. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
foramen
noun
fo·ra·men
fə-ˈrā-mən
plural foramina
-ˈram-ə-nə
or foramens
-ˈrā-mənz
or foramens
-ˈrā-mənz
: a small opening, perforation, or orifice : fenestra sense 1
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