orifice
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.”
How to use orifice
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA formal, somewhat clinical word for an opening or hole, often used for body openings.
Fairly clinical/technical in tone — in everyday speech people usually say "opening" or name the specific body part instead.
Word forms
orifices plural
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").
Synonyms
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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").