glottis

noun

glot·​tis ˈglä-təs How to pronounce glottis (audio)
plural glottises or glottides ˈglä-tə-ˌdēz How to pronounce glottis (audio)
: the elongated space between the vocal cords
also : the structures that surround this space compare epiglottis

Examples of glottis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Basically, the glottis opens and closes, building up and releasing pressure, resulting in purrs. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 5 Oct. 2023 Because at the same time, the change in pressure causes the opening between your vocal cords, called the glottis, to snap shut. — Marisa Sloan, Discover Magazine, 25 Jan. 2023

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Greek glōttid-, glōttís "upper end of the trachea at the root of the tongue," from glôtta, Attic variant of glôssa "tongue" + -id-, -is, noun suffix — more at gloss entry 3

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of glottis was in 1578

Rhymes for glottis

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Cite this Entry

“Glottis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glottis. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

glottis

noun
glot·​tis ˈglät-əs How to pronounce glottis (audio)
plural glottises or glottides ˈglät-ə-ˌdēz How to pronounce glottis (audio)
: the long opening between the vocal cords in the larynx
glottal
ˈglät-ᵊl
adjective

Medical Definition

glottis

noun
glot·​tis ˈglät-əs How to pronounce glottis (audio)
plural glottises or glottides -ə-ˌdēz How to pronounce glottis (audio)
: the space between one of the true vocal cords and the arytenoid cartilage on one side of the larynx and those of the other side
also : the structures that surround this space compare epiglottis

More from Merriam-Webster on glottis

Nglish: Translation of glottis for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about glottis

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