orifice

or·i·fice

noun \ˈȯr-ə-fəs, ˈär-\

Definition of ORIFICE

: an opening (as a vent, mouth, or hole) through which something may pass

— or·i·fi·cial \ˌȯr-ə-ˈfi-shəl, ˌär-\ adjective

Examples of ORIFICE

1. <the mouth is a bodily orifice>

Origin of ORIFICE

Middle English, from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French, from Late Latin orificium, from Latin or-, os mouth + facere to make, do — more at oral, do

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to ORIFICE

Synonyms

aperture, opening, hole, perforation

Related Words

loophole; breach, break, chink, cleft, crack, cranny, crevice, cut, fissure, gash, notch, rent, rift, rupture, slash, slit, split, tear; slot, space; exit, mouth, outlet, pore, vent; entrance, inlet, intake; pinhole, pinprick, punch, puncture; airhole, armhole, buttonhole, keyhole, knothole, peephole, pothole, wormhole

Near Antonyms

fill, filler, filling, patch, plug, seal, stopper; barrier, blockage, obstacle, obstruction

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

or·i·fice

noun \ˈȯr-ə-fəs, ˈär-\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of ORIFICE

: an opening through which something may pass

—or·i·fi·cial \ˌȯr-ə-ˈfish-əl, ˌär-\ (audio pronunciation) adjective