foramen
noun
fo·ra·men fə-ˈrā-mən 
plural foramina fə-ˈra-mə-nə or foramens fə-ˈrā-mənz
or foramens fə-ˈrā-mənz : a small opening, perforation, or orifice : fenestra
foraminal
fə-ˈra-mə-nᵊl
adjective or foraminous
fə-ˈra-mə-nəs
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web One such trait is the form of an opening on the tongue side of the lower jaw (mandible) called the mandibular foramen. 
David W. Frayer, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2022 In most Neandertals, the opening is covered by a bar of bone and is called a horizontal-oval (H-O) foramen. David W. Frayer, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2022 In modern humans, the upper portion of the foramen is commonly V-shaped. David W. Frayer, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2022 Another view of the monitor lizard skull fossil fragment, on which both the parietal and pineal foramina are visible (in yellow). Amina Khan, latimes.com, 3 Apr. 2018
David W. Frayer, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2022 In most Neandertals, the opening is covered by a bar of bone and is called a horizontal-oval (H-O) foramen. David W. Frayer, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2022 In modern humans, the upper portion of the foramen is commonly V-shaped. David W. Frayer, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2022 Another view of the monitor lizard skull fossil fragment, on which both the parietal and pineal foramina are visible (in yellow). Amina Khan, latimes.com, 3 Apr. 2018 Word History
Etymology
Latin foramin-, foramen, from forare to bore — more at bore
First Known Use
1672, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing foramen
Medical Definition
foramen
noun
fo·ra·men fə-ˈrā-mən
plural foramina -ˈram-ə-nə or foramens -ˈrā-mənz
or foramens -ˈrā-mənz : a small opening, perforation, or orifice : fenestra sense 1