epiglottis

2 definitions found

epiglottis - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Epiglottis \Ep`i*glot"tis\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ?; 'epi` upon + ?,
     ?, tongue. See Glottis.] (Anat.)
     A cartilaginous lidlike appendage which closes the glottis
     while food or drink is passing while food or drink is passing
     through the pharynx.
     [1913 Webster]

epiglottis - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  epiglottis
      n 1: a flap of cartilage that covers the windpipe while
           swallowing