mastoid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (technical term)Technical/medical
Quick answer
What does “mastoid” mean?
Resembling a nipple or breast in shape.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Resembling a nipple or breast in shape.
Pertaining to the mastoid process, a bony prominence behind the ear.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
None; identical in medical terminology.
Connotations
Purely anatomical/clinical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low in both, confined to medical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “mastoid” in a Sentence
adjective + noun (mastoid process)noun + of + mastoid (inflammation of the mastoid)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mastoid” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The surgeon examined the mastoid region.
American English
- A CT scan showed mastoid opacification.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical and anatomical texts.
Everyday
Rare; only if discussing a specific ear/medical condition.
Technical
Primary context: anatomy, otology, radiology, surgery.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mastoid”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mastoid”
- Using it as a standalone noun in non-medical contexts.
- Pronouncing it /mæsˈtɔɪd/ (stress on second syllable).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency technical term used almost exclusively in medical contexts.
No, it is primarily a noun (referring to the bone/process) or an adjective (describing related structures).
'Mastoid process' is the most frequent and precise collocation, referring to the specific bony projection.
No, the standard IPA transcription and pronunciation /ˈmæstɔɪd/ are identical in both major varieties.
Resembling a nipple or breast in shape.
Mastoid is usually technical/medical in register.
Mastoid: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmæstɔɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmæstɔɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'MASt' like a ship's mast and 'OID' meaning resembling. The mastoid bone sticks out behind the ear like a small mast.
Conceptual Metaphor
SHAPE AS BODY PART (the original 'breast-like' shape).
Practice
Quiz
What is the mastoid?