sphenoid

[ sfee-noid ]

adjective

1. being in the shape of a wedge; wedge-shaped.
2. Anatomy. of or relating to the compound bone of the base of the skull, at the roof of the pharynx.

noun

1. Anatomy. the sphenoid bone.

sphenoid

/ ˈsfiːnɔɪd /

adjective

1. wedge-shaped
2. of or relating to the sphenoid bone

noun

1. See sphenoid bone

Other Words From

• post·sphenoid adjective
• pre·sphenoid adjective
• sub·sphenoid adjective
• subsphe·noidal adjective
• super·sphenoid adjective
• super·sphe·noidal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sphenoid¹

1725–35; < New Latin sphēnoīdēs < Greek sphēnoeidḗs. See sphen-, -oid

Example Sentences

I watched mine perform a complicated skull-based surgery — the removal of a sphenoid meningioma.

From Salon

The relevant areas are really tiny, right next to the sphenoid sinus and are prone to distortions and signal loss.

From Scientific American

For example, the part of the sphenoid bone known as the Turkish saddle, becomes the edge of a sheer limestone cliff that we float over.

From New York Times

Some people feel the pain of sphenoid congestion at the back of their necks.

From US News

The cheer and following swell of voices resonated in her temples and the sphenoid deep behind her nose.

From Nature