noun
orifice
O-rih-fihs
Orifice (noun) means an opening, especially one in the body or in a pipe or tube. Example: “The surgeon examined the wound near the nasal orifice.”
noun
1
An opening, especially one in the body or in a pipe or tube.
"the orifice of an artery or vein; the orifice of a wound; he entered the cave's gaping orifice"
"The surgeon examined the wound near the nasal orifice."
"Water sprays out through a small orifice in the nozzle."
How to use orifice
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA formal, somewhat clinical word for an opening or hole, often used for body openings.
When to use it
Fairly clinical/technical in tone — in everyday speech people usually say "opening" or name the specific body part instead.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like orifice.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- orifices
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The surgeon examined the wound near the nasal _____.
Etymology
From Latin orificium, literally "the making of a mouth," combining os ("mouth") and facere ("to make").
Related words
Rhymes for orifice
See all rhymes for orifice →Frequently asked questions
What does “orifice” mean?
The word “orifice” means an opening, especially one in the body or in a pipe or tube. In plain terms, a formal, somewhat clinical word for an opening or hole, often used for body openings.
How do you pronounce “orifice”?
“Orifice” is pronounced O-rih-fihs (/ˈɔɹəfɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “orifice” in a sentence?
Here is “orifice” used in a sentence: “The surgeon examined the wound near the nasal orifice.”
What part of speech is “orifice”?
“Orifice” is a noun.
Where does the word “orifice” come from?
The word “orifice” comes from Latin. From Latin orificium, literally "the making of a mouth," combining os ("mouth") and facere ("to make").
