noun
uvula
YOO-vyuh-luh
Uvula (noun) means the small, fleshy piece of tissue that hangs down at the back of the soft palate in the mouth. Example: “The doctor pointed out that her uvula was swollen.”
noun
1
anatomy The small, fleshy piece of tissue that hangs down at the back of the soft palate in the mouth.
"The doctor pointed out that her uvula was swollen."
"When you open your mouth wide, you can see your uvula at the back of your throat."
"The uvula helps close off the nasal passage when you swallow."
How to use uvula
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe little dangling flap at the back of your mouth.
When to use it
It is a standard anatomical term, also used in everyday speech.
Memory tip
Uvular is the related adjective, so do not use it for the body part itself.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
uvular
Common pairings
swollen uvula
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The doctor pointed out that her _____ was swollen.
Etymology
Uvula was borrowed from Late Latin ūvula, a diminutive of ūva, which meant grape.
Rhymes for uvula
See all rhymes for uvula →Frequently asked questions
What is the uvula?
It is the small piece of soft tissue that hangs down at the back of the mouth. It helps seal off the nose when you swallow.
What is the plural of uvula?
The plural is uvulae or uvulas.
Where does the word uvula come from?
It comes from Late Latin ūvula, a diminutive of the word for grape.
What is the meaning of uvula?
"uvula" (noun) means the small, fleshy piece of tissue that hangs down at the back of the soft palate in the mouth.
