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
Recent Examples on the Web
Medics have to lift the epiglottis with a metal scope and carefully angle the tube forward.
—
Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025
The epiglottis blocks the trachea during swallowing.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2025
Those sensors detect the subtle vibrations that are transmitted to the extrinsic laryngeal muscles (in the neck) from other anatomical locations including the velum, oropharynx, tongue, and epiglottis.
—Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 21 Feb. 2025
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
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Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025
The epiglottis blocks the trachea during swallowing.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2025
Those sensors detect the subtle vibrations that are transmitted to the extrinsic laryngeal muscles (in the neck) from other anatomical locations including the velum, oropharynx, tongue, and epiglottis.
—Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 21 Feb. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for epiglottis
Cite this Entry
“Epiglottis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epiglottis. Accessed 30 Oct. 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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