epiglottis
noun
epi·glot·tis
ˌe-pə-ˈglä-təs 
: a thin plate of flexible cartilage in front of the glottis that folds back over and protects the glottis during swallowing
Examples of epiglottis in a Sentence
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It's well established that human taste consists of sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami—five basic flavors induced by chemical stimulation of the tongue and, to a lesser extent, in parts of the pharynx, larynx, and epiglottis.
—
Ars Technica, 26 Nov. 2024
An autopsy concluded an infection swelled Philibert’s epiglottis, a small flap of tissue at the back of the throat.
—Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 5 Mar. 2024
The epiglottis, a valve in your larynx that controls airflow, closes.
—Jenny Sweigard, Verywell Health, 1 July 2024
Such an infection of the epiglottis is rare in adults.
—Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 5 Mar. 2024
See All Example Sentences for epiglottis
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Ars Technica, 26 Nov. 2024
An autopsy concluded an infection swelled Philibert’s epiglottis, a small flap of tissue at the back of the throat.
—Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 5 Mar. 2024
The epiglottis, a valve in your larynx that controls airflow, closes.
—Jenny Sweigard, Verywell Health, 1 July 2024
Such an infection of the epiglottis is rare in adults.
—Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 5 Mar. 2024
See All Example Sentences for epiglottis
Cite this Entry
“Epiglottis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epiglottis. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
epiglottis
noun
epi·glot·tis
ˌep-ə-ˈglät-əs
: a thin plate of flexible cartilage in front of the glottis that folds back over and protects the glottis during swallowing
epiglottal
adjective
-ˈglät-ᵊl
Medical Definition
epiglottis
noun
epi·glot·tis
ˌep-ə-ˈglät-əs
: a thin lamella of yellow elastic cartilage that ordinarily projects upward behind the tongue and just in front of the glottis and that with the arytenoid cartilages serves to cover the glottis during the act of swallowing
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