uvula

[ yoo-vyuh-luh ]

noun

, Anatomy.

, plural u·vu·las, u·vu·lae [yoo, -vy, uh, -, lee].

1. the small, fleshy, conical body projecting downward from the middle of the soft palate.
2. a similar structure in any organ of the body, especially one at the opening of the bladder.

uvula

/ ˈjuːvjʊlə /

noun

1. a small fleshy finger-like flap of tissue that hangs in the back of the throat and is an extension of the soft palate

uvula

/ yo̅o̅′vyə-lə /

1. A small mass of fleshy tissue that hangs from the back of the soft palate.

Word History and Origins

Origin of uvula¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Medieval Latin ūvula, equivalent to Latin ūva “grape” + -ula -ule

Word History and Origins

Origin of uvula¹

C14: from Medieval Latin, literally: a little grape, from Latin ūva a grape

Example Sentences

“Bab’s Uvula”: This first-season skit is filled with the kind of double entendre and quick wit that carved a path for the best of “SNL’s” skits.

From Los Angeles Times

Plus, who among us learned what the uvula was just from this skit?

From Los Angeles Times

As a result, the authors wrote, humans are left with a "flat face, smaller chin, shorter oral cavity, changes in jaw function, repositioning of ears behind jaws, ascent of the uvula and descent of the epiglottis, right angle bend in tongue, creation of compliant, combined, flexible airway-footway, and speech."

From Salon

As a result, the authors wrote, humans are left with a "flat face, smaller chin, shorter oral cavity, changes in jaw function, repositioning of ears behind jaws, ascent of the uvula and descent of the epiglottis, right angle bend in tongue, creation of compliant, combined, flexible airway-footway, and speech."

From Salon

Their mouths are open so wide you can spot a uvula.

From Slate