glabella: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Scientific, Technical
Quick answer
What does “glabella” mean?
The smooth area of the forehead between the eyebrows, just above the nose.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The smooth area of the forehead between the eyebrows, just above the nose.
In anatomy and zoology, specifically refers to the bony prominence of the frontal bone between the superciliary arches. In entomology, it refers to the central part of the frons of an insect.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the term exclusively in technical registers.
Connotations
Neutral, clinical, anatomical.
Frequency
Equally rare in both dialects, confined to specialised fields.
Grammar
How to Use “glabella” in a Sentence
The [adjective] glabellaBotox injected into the glabellaThe glabella of [subject]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “glabella” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The glabellar region is often treated for dynamic wrinkles.
American English
- The glabellar muscles are responsible for frowning.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in anatomy, medicine, anthropology, and biology papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would likely be paraphrased ('the bit between your eyebrows').
Technical
The primary register. Common in medical notes (neurology, dermatology, plastic surgery), forensic anthropology, and zoological descriptions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “glabella”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “glabella”
- Mispronouncing as /ɡleɪˈbɛlə/ or /ˈɡlæbələ/.
- Using it in non-technical contexts where it sounds pretentious.
- Confusing it with 'glabrous' (hairless skin).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly technical anatomical term. In everyday conversation, people say 'between the eyebrows'.
A medical sign where repeated tapping on the glabella causes a person to blink. Failure to habituate (keep blinking) can indicate certain neurological disorders.
Yes, the adjectival form is 'glabellar', as in 'glabellar wrinkles' or 'glabellar region'.
A common error is pronouncing it with a long 'a' (/ɡleɪˈbɛlə/) instead of the correct schwa sound (/ɡləˈbɛlə/).
The smooth area of the forehead between the eyebrows, just above the nose.
Glabella is usually formal, scientific, technical in register.
Glabella: in British English it is pronounced /ɡləˈbɛlə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡləˈbɛlə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'label' stuck right in the middle of your forehead, between your brows. The 'gla-' sounds like 'glad'—you'd be glad to have a smooth label-la (glabella) there instead of frown lines.
Conceptual Metaphor
The glabella is often metaphorically treated as a MAP for expression (frowning, concentrating) or a TARGET for medical intervention.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'glabella' LEAST likely to be used?