Epiglottis
/ˌɛpɪˈɡlɒtɪs/noun
A leaf-shaped flap of cartilage that covers the windpipe during swallowing.
Did you know?The name comes from Ancient Greek anatomical language, where “epi-” meant “upon” and “glōttis” meant “tongue,” describing the flap’s position behind the tongue.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
glōssa / glōtta
“Tongue; language”
Ancient Greek
Greek
epi-
“Upon, on, or over”
Ancient Greek
Greek
epiglōttis
“A structure situated upon the tongue”
Ancient Latin
Latin
epiglottis
“The anatomical flap at the root of the tongue”
17th Century
English
epiglottis
“The cartilage covering the entrance to the larynx”
Modern English
English
epiglottis
“A leaf-shaped flap that closes over the windpipe during swallowing”
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