Definition of epiglottis
: a thin plate of flexible cartilage in front of the glottis that folds back over and protects the glottis during swallowing
Read the Latest from M-W
Origin and Etymology of epiglottis
New Latin, from Greek epiglōttis, from epi- + glōttis glottis
First Known Use: 15th century
Medical Dictionary
epiglottis
playMedical Definition of epiglottis
: a thin lamella of yellow elastic cartilage that ordinarily projects upward behind the tongue and just in front of the glottis and that with the arytenoid cartilages serves to cover the glottis during the act of swallowing
Illustration of epiglottis
Learn More about epiglottis
-
See words that rhyme with epiglottis Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about epiglottis
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up epiglottis? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!