Glottis
/ˈɡlɒt.ɪs/noun
The part of the larynx consisting of the vocal cords and the opening between them.
Did you know?Glottis comes from Greek glōttis, originally meaning a tongue or tongue-shaped part, which is why the word is tied to the mechanics of speech rather than any mystical meaning.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
γλῶττα / γλῶσσα (glōtta / glōssa)
“tongue; language”
Classical Greek
Greek
γλωττίς (glōttís)
“tongue; tongue-shaped part”
Late Latin
Latin
glottis
“the glottis; the opening of the windpipe”
16th Century
English
glottis
“the opening of the larynx between the vocal cords”
Modern English
English
glottis
“the vocal apparatus opening at the top of the larynx”