Epiglottis

Pronunciation

• Canada IPA: /ˌɛpɪˈɡlÉ‘tɪs/

Origin

from New Latin, from Greek "epi-" on + "glottis"

Full definition of epiglottis

Noun

1. (anatomy) A cartilaginous organ in the throat of terrestrial vertebrates covering the glottis when swallowing to prevent food and liquid from entering the trachea, and in Homo sapiens also a speech organ.My epiglottis is full of bees!

Derived terms

• epiglottal
• epiglottic
• epiglottitis

Related terms

• glottis