parotid

[ puh-rot-id ]

noun

1. Also called parotid gland. a salivary gland situated at the base of each ear.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or situated near either parotid.

parotid

/ pəˈrɒtɪd /

adjective

1. relating to or situated near the parotid gland

noun

1. See parotid gland

Other Words From

• pa·roti·dean adjective
• postpa·rotid adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of parotid¹

1680–90; < New Latin parōtid- (stem of parōtis ) parotid gland; Latin: tumor near the ear < Greek parōtís. See par-, oto-

Word History and Origins

Origin of parotid¹

C17: via French, via Latin from Greek parōtis, from para- ¹(near) + -ōtis, from ous ear

Example Sentences

The warty amphibian can secrete a milky poison from the parotid glands behind its shoulders that can be fatal to wildlife.

From Washington Post

The study analyzed the effects of inhaling the vapor of dried toad secretion from the parotid gland, which is found near the toad’s eyes.

From Los Angeles Times

Billows has been undergoing treatment for parotid salivary cancer since November 2020 and wants to spend more time with his family.

From Seattle Times

Radiation damage to the parotid glands can lead to long-term dryness of the mouth, and treatment plans designed to avoid the glands reduce the risk of damage.

From Nature

This is a result of the mumps virus causing the swelling and inflammation of one or both parotid glands, which sit in front of the ears.

From BBC