adjective

hyoid

HEYE-oyd

Hyoid (adjective) means Shaped like the letter U, or resembling a small U-shaped bone in the throat. Example: “The hyoid bone sits just above the larynx and anchors the tongue muscles.”

adjective

Shaped like the letter U, or resembling a small U-shaped bone in the throat.

"The hyoid bone sits just above the larynx and anchors the tongue muscles."

How to use hyoid

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA term mostly used in anatomy for the small horseshoe-shaped bone in your neck that supports your tongue and voice box.

Common pairings

hyoid bone

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The _____ bone sits just above the larynx and anchors the tongue muscles.

Etymology

From French hyoïde, based on Greek for "shaped like the letter upsilon (υ)" — describing the bone's U-like curve.

Origin: French

Rhymes for hyoid

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Frequently asked questions

What does “hyoid” mean?

The word “hyoid” means shaped like the letter U, or resembling a small U-shaped bone in the throat. In plain terms, a term mostly used in anatomy for the small horseshoe-shaped bone in your neck that supports your tongue and voice box.

How do you pronounce “hyoid”?

“Hyoid” is pronounced HEYE-oyd (/ˈhaɪ.ɔɪd/ in IPA).

How do you use “hyoid” in a sentence?

Here is “hyoid” used in a sentence: “The hyoid bone sits just above the larynx and anchors the tongue muscles.”

What part of speech is “hyoid”?

“Hyoid” is an adjective.

Where does the word “hyoid” come from?

The word “hyoid” comes from French. From French hyoïde, based on Greek for "shaped like the letter upsilon (υ)" — describing the bone's U-like curve.