epiglottis

[ ep-i-glot-is ]

noun

, Anatomy.

, plural ep·i·glot·tis·es, ep·i·glot·ti·des [ep-i-, glot, -i-deez].

1. a thin, valvelike, cartilaginous structure that covers the glottis during swallowing, preventing the entrance of food and drink into the larynx.

epiglottis

/ ˌɛpɪˈɡlɒtɪs /

noun

1. a thin cartilaginous flap that covers the entrance to the larynx during swallowing, preventing food from entering the trachea

epiglottis

/ ĕp′ĭ-glŏt′ĭs /

1. A thin, triangular plate of cartilage at the base of the tongue that covers the glottis during swallowing to keep food from entering the trachea.

Derived Forms

• ˌepiˈglottal, adjective

Other Words From

• epi·glottal epi·glottic ep·i·glot·tid·e·an [ep-i-glo-, tid, -ee-, uh, n], adjective
• subep·i·glottal adjective
• subep·i·glottic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of epiglottis¹

1605–15; < Greek epiglōttís; epi-, glottis

Example Sentences

A bit below the epiglottis, mammals have evolved additional folds of tissue, called vocal cords or vocal folds, which produce sounds when air exhaled from the lungs causes them to vibrate.

From New York Times

But after he finished a well-beaten sixth it was determined he had an epiglottis issue and he hasn’t raced since.

From Los Angeles Times

Normally the epiglottis, a leaf-shaped flap located at the base of the throat, folds over the trachea as we swallow to prevent the food meant for the esophagus from going down the wrong tube.

From New York Times

The suction and swallow simultaneously stimulate two nerves, the phrenic and vagus nerves, prompting the diaphragm to contract and the epiglottis — a flap that covers the windpipe during swallowing — to close.

From Seattle Times

He had to drop out four days before the race because of an entrapped epiglottis, which required minor surgery.

From Seattle Times