Definition of epiglottis

< epigeous

epigone >

ep·i·glot·tis    (p-glts) KEY 

NOUN:
pl. ep·i·glot·tis·es or ep·i·glot·ti·des  (-glt-dz) KEY 

The thin elastic cartilaginous structure located at the root of the tongue that folds over the glottis to prevent food and liquid from entering the trachea during the act of swallowing.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Greek epiglttis : epi-, epi- + glttis, glottis ; see glottis

OTHER FORMS:
epi·glottal  (-gltl) KEY  or epi·glottic  (-gltk) KEY (Adjective)