noun

epiglottis

ep-ih-GLOT-is

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Epiglottis (noun) means a flap of cartilage at the back of the throat that folds down over the windpipe during swallowing to stop food and drink going down the wrong way. Example: “The epiglottis snaps shut the moment you swallow.”

noun

A flap of cartilage at the back of the throat that folds down over the windpipe during swallowing to stop food and drink going down the wrong way.

"The epiglottis snaps shut the moment you swallow."

"A doctor can see the epiglottis by looking right at the back of the throat."

"In humans the epiglottis also plays a part in shaping speech sounds."

How to use epiglottis

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIt's the little flap in your throat that stops food going down the wrong pipe when you swallow.

When to use it

It is a technical, anatomical term used mainly in medical and biological contexts rather than everyday speech.

Memory tip

Remember that the epiglottis sits above the glottis and covers it, which is exactly what the word's Greek roots describe.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

glottis

Common pairings

the epiglottis covers the windpipe an inflamed epiglottis the epiglottis closes damage to the epiglottis

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ snaps shut the moment you swallow.

Etymology

The word comes from New Latin epiglottis, which was taken from Ancient Greek and originally meant a valve covering the larynx. It is built from a prefix meaning 'upon' or 'over' attached to glottis, the term for the opening at the top of the windpipe.

Origin: Ancient Greek, via New Latin

Frequently asked questions

What is the epiglottis?

It is a small flap of cartilage at the back of the throat that folds over the windpipe when you swallow, keeping food and liquid out of your airway.

What does the epiglottis do?

It closes over the entrance to the windpipe during swallowing so that food and drink go down the oesophagus rather than into the lungs.

Where is the epiglottis located?

It sits at the base of the tongue, above the larynx, and can be seen right at the back of the throat.

What is the meaning of epiglottis?

"epiglottis" (noun) means a flap of cartilage at the back of the throat that folds down over the windpipe during swallowing to stop food and drink going down the wrong way.