epiglottis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Medical
Quick answer
What does “epiglottis” mean?
The thin, leaf-shaped cartilage at the back of the throat that covers the entrance to the larynx during swallowing to prevent food and liquid from entering the airway.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The thin, leaf-shaped cartilage at the back of the throat that covers the entrance to the larynx during swallowing to prevent food and liquid from entering the airway.
In a broader anatomical context, it is a key structure of the upper respiratory and digestive tract interface, playing a crucial role in the coordination of breathing and swallowing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning, spelling, or usage between UK and US English.
Connotations
Purely anatomical and clinical in both variants.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency outside medical, biological, or linguistic (phonetic) contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “epiglottis” in a Sentence
The epiglottis covers the larynx.An infection of the epiglottis is serious.The surgeon examined the patient's epiglottis.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “epiglottis” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- epiglottic cartilage
- acute epiglottic infection
American English
- epiglottic cyst
- epiglottic dysfunction
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in medical, biological, and phonetic sciences literature.
Everyday
Extremely rare, only in discussions of severe sore throat or medical procedures.
Technical
Standard term in anatomy, otolaryngology, anesthesiology, and speech-language pathology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “epiglottis”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “epiglottis”
- Mispronunciation: stressing the first syllable (/ˈep.ɪɡlɒt.ɪs/) is incorrect.
- Misspelling as 'epiglotis' (single 't').
- Confusing it with the uvula (the dangly bit at the back of the soft palate).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, no. It is located deep in the throat, behind the tongue root, and usually requires a medical instrument like a laryngoscope for visualisation.
No. The Adam's apple is the visible and palpable prominence of the thyroid cartilage of the larynx. The epiglottis is a separate, higher cartilage attached inside the larynx.
Yes, most mammals have an epiglottis. In some animals, like horses, it is particularly long and can even reach into the nasopharynx, allowing them to breathe through the nose while swallowing.
Because rapid swelling of the epiglottis can completely obstruct the trachea (windpipe), leading to suffocation. This is a medical emergency.
The thin, leaf-shaped cartilage at the back of the throat that covers the entrance to the larynx during swallowing to prevent food and liquid from entering the airway.
Epiglottis is usually technical / medical in register.
Epiglottis: in British English it is pronounced /ˌep.ɪˈɡlɒt.ɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌep.ɪˈɡlɑː.t̬ɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
EPI-GLOTTIS: EPI (on/over) + GLOTTIS (the vocal cords); think of it as the 'over-guard' for your voice box when you swallow.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FLAP or VALVE guarding the entrance to the lungs.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of the epiglottis?