orifice

noun

or·​i·​fice ˈȯr-ə-fəs How to pronounce orifice (audio)
ˈär-
: an opening (such as a vent, mouth, or hole) through which something may pass
an anatomical orifice
the nozzle orifice
the cone built up from the cinders around the eruption orificeR. H. Mohlenbrock
orificial adjective

Examples of orifice in a Sentence

the mouth is a bodily orifice
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Cory, who at this point has smoke billowing out of every orifice, flips out on Josh, who’s just betrayed him for the second time. Emma Sharpe, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2024 The white exterior peered at me with flat orifices obscured through the mist, barely distinguishable from the dark sky behind it, as though all the world beyond the dome was cut from the same slab, only slightly effaced. Jem Aswad, Variety, 1 Nov. 2024 Many older jugs take on the crude appearance of early folk art, with holes in characters that allow liquids to stream out of every conceivable orifice. Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 27 Sep. 2024 None of us, thankfully, has to ponder which orifice to insert the toothbrush in every morning and night. Christian Simpson, Forbes, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for orifice 

Word History

Etymology

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, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of orifice was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near orifice

Cite this Entry

“Orifice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orifice. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

orifice

noun
or·​i·​fice ˈȯr-ə-fəs How to pronounce orifice (audio)
ˈär-
: an opening (as a mouth or hole) through which something may pass

Medical Definition

orifice

noun
or·​i·​fice ˈȯr-ə-fəs, ˈär- How to pronounce orifice (audio)
: an opening through which something may pass
orificial adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on orifice

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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