This word is acceptable for play in the US & UK dictionaries that are being used in the following games:

• Lexulous
• Wordscraper
• Wordosaur

n. The thin elastic cartilaginous structure located at the root of the tongue that folds over the glottis to prevent food and liquid from entering the trachea during the act of swallowing.

n. A cartilaginous organ in the throat of terrestrial vertebrates covering the glottis when swallowing to prevent food and liquid from entering the trachea, and in Homo sapiens also a speech organ.

n. A cartilaginous lidlike appendage which closes the glottis while food or drink is passing while food or drink is passing through the pharynx.

n. A valve-like organ which helps to prevent the entrance of food and drink into the larynx during deglutition.

n. In Polyzoa, same as epistoma.

n. In entomology, same as epipharynæ.

n. a flap of cartilage that covers the windpipe while swallowing

"Moreover, just in front of it there is a fold of mucous membrane called the epiglottis, which is in reality a tiny trapdoor closing over the opening when necessity requires."

cartilaginous structure   

depressor epiglottidis    frenum epiglottidis    tubercle of the epiglottis    Wikipedia article on the epiglottis   

glottis   

epiglottides   

epiglottic    epiglottal   

voice-box    bronchi    backstrap    windpipe    tonsil    connaissance    periosteum    cow-manure    umbilicus    pharynx