What does epiglottal mean?
Epiglottal is a technical adjective with two related uses. In anatomy, it describes anything pertaining to the epiglottis — the leaf-shaped flap of elastic cartilage behind the tongue that folds over the entrance to the larynx when we swallow, keeping food and drink out of the windpipe. A doctor might refer to the epiglottal surface, epiglottal swelling, or epiglottal tissue during examination of the throat. In phonetics, the word describes a small class of consonants produced by bringing the epiglottis into contact with the pharyngeal wall; such sounds occur in a few languages, including Arabic varieties and certain languages of the Caucasus and the Pacific Northwest. The term derives from Greek roots meaning "upon the glottis," reflecting the epiglottis's position above the vocal folds. Though rarely heard outside clinical or linguistic settings, it is precise and well established within both fields.
adjectiveRelating to the epiglottis, the flap of cartilage at the base of the tongue that covers the windpipe during swallowing. In phonetics, it describes consonants articulated with the epiglottis against the pharyngeal wall.
- Anatomy: relating to or situated on the epiglottis.
- Phonetics: (of a consonant) articulated with the epiglottis against the back of the pharynx.
"The surgeon identified a lesion on the epiglottal surface during the laryngoscopy."
"Swelling of the epiglottal tissue can rapidly obstruct the airway."
"Arabic and some Caucasian languages include epiglottal stops among their consonant inventories."
In some languages of the Caucasus and Pacific Northwest, the epiglottis isn't just a food-guard — it's a working speech organ that produces entire consonants.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of epiglottal
Epiglottal combines the prefix epi- (Greek for "on" or "upon") with glottal, from Greek glōttis, meaning the mouth of the windpipe. The underlying noun, epiglottis, entered scientific Latin from Greek anatomy and passed into English usage around the early seventeenth century, with the adjective following as medical and later phonetic terminology developed. It thus shares its roots with glottis, glottal, and epiglottic.
Related word forms
How epiglottal is actually used
Primarily a technical term used in medicine (often alongside the more common "epiglottic") and linguistics; rare in everyday conversation.
Easily confused with epiglottal
"Glottal" refers to sounds or structures involving the glottis (the vocal folds and the opening between them), whereas "epiglottal" specifically involves the epiglottis, the cartilaginous flap above the larynx.
"Epiglottic" is the more common adjective for anatomical contexts relating to the epiglottis, while "epiglottal" is preferred in phonetics for sounds produced with the epiglottis.