epiglottisnoun [ C ]
uk/ˌep.ɪˈɡlɒt.ɪs/us/ˌep.əˈɡlɑː.t̬ɪs/specializeda small flat part at the back of the tongue that closes when you swallow to prevent food from entering the tube that goes to the lungs
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
The mouth & throat
- airway
- alveolar
- alveolar ridge
- buccal
- buccinator
- cricothyroid
- glottis
- gob
- gullet
- gummy
- larynx
- mandibular
- mylohyoid
- orbicularis
- palate
- palatine
- salivary duct
- taste buds
- trout pout
- windpipe
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Examples from literature
- Chest, diaphragm, the closed epiglottis, and the raised palate all form a supply chamber for the breath.
- The entrance to it is covered by the epiglottis, over which the food slides.
- The epiglottis is the valve which closes over the upper opening of the larynx.
- The windpipe opens downward from the pharynx, but this communication can be shut off by a little plate or lid of cartilage, the epiglottis.
- This is accomplished through the soft palate and epiglottis, which are operated somewhat as valves.