sphenoid

1 of 2

adjective

sphe·​noid ˈsfē-ˌnȯid How to pronounce sphenoid (audio)
variants or sphenoidal
1
: of, relating to, or being a winged compound bone of the base of the cranium
2
usually sphenoidal : having a wedged shape

sphenoid

2 of 2

noun

: a sphenoid bone

Examples of sphenoid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
But occasionally, infections can occur in a region called the sphenoid sinus, located behind the eyes near the optic nerve. Amanda MacMillan, Health.com, 16 Mar. 2018
Noun
But occasionally, infections can occur in a region called the sphenoid sinus, located behind the eyes near the optic nerve. Amanda MacMillan, Health, 9 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sphenoid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

New Latin sphenoides, from Greek sphēnoeidēs wedge-shaped, from sphēn wedge

First Known Use

Adjective

1732, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1828, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sphenoid was in 1732

Dictionary Entries Near sphenoid

Cite this Entry

“Sphenoid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sphenoid. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

sphenoid

1 of 2 adjective
sphe·​noid ˈsfē-ˌnȯid How to pronounce sphenoid (audio)
variants or sphenoidal
: of, relating to, or being a compound bone of the base of the cranium of various vertebrates formed by the fusion of several bony elements with the basisphenoid and in humans consisting of a median body from whose sides extend a pair of broad curved winglike expansions in front of which is another pair of much smaller triangular lateral processes while ventrally two large deeply cleft processes extend downward see greater wing, lesser wing

sphenoid

2 of 2 noun
: a sphenoid bone
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