What does epiglottis mean?
The epiglottis is a thin, leaf-shaped flap of elastic cartilage situated at the base of the tongue, just above the larynx. Its vital role is to protect the airway: during swallowing, it folds downward to cover the opening of the windpipe, steering food and liquid into the oesophagus instead of the lungs; at other times it stands upright, allowing air to pass freely into the trachea. The word derives from Greek roots meaning 'upon the glottis' or 'upon the tongue of the larynx'. It appears mainly in anatomical, medical, and scientific writing — as in discussions of choking, swallowing disorders, or epiglottitis, the potentially serious inflammation of the structure itself. Though rarely needed in casual speech, the term is precise and well established, and understanding it illuminates one of the body's most elegant reflex mechanisms: the seamless coordination that lets us breathe, speak, and eat without interference.
nounA thin, leaf-shaped flap of cartilage located behind the tongue at the entrance to the larynx, which folds down over the windpipe during swallowing to prevent food and liquid from entering the airway.
- The leaf-shaped cartilaginous flap at the root of the tongue that covers the entrance to the larynx during swallowing, preventing food and drink from entering the windpipe.
"When she swallowed, her epiglottis closed over the trachea, directing the water safely into the oesophagus."
"The doctor explained that the epiglottis acts like a trapdoor, sealing off the windpipe each time we swallow."
"Inflammation of the epiglottis can quickly obstruct the airway, making epiglottitis a medical emergency."
"Anatomists have long admired the elegant hinge mechanism by which the epiglottis diverts food toward the oesophagus."
The Latinate plural 'epiglottides' predominates in formal medical and anatomical writing; the anglicized 'epiglottises' is an accepted alternative but less common.
"Comparative studies of mammalian epiglottides reveal striking variation in shape across species."
Your epiglottis is why you can't breathe and swallow at the same time — a tiny cartilage lid that keeps every meal out of your lungs.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of epiglottis
The word 'epiglottis' comes from the Greek 'epiglōttis', formed from 'epi-' meaning 'upon' or 'over' and 'glōttis', referring to the mouth of the windpipe (itself from 'glōtta', meaning 'tongue'). The term was adopted into New Latin before passing into English usage around the early seventeenth century. It shares its root with related terms such as 'glottis', 'glottal', and 'epiglottic', all concerned with structures of the throat and voice.
Related word forms
How epiglottis is actually used
A technical anatomical term used chiefly in medical, scientific, and educational contexts; rare in everyday conversation except when discussing swallowing, choking, or throat anatomy. The adjective form is 'epiglottic', and inflammation of the structure is called 'epiglottitis'. The standard plural in medical writing is the Latinate 'epiglottides', though 'epiglottises' also occurs.
Easily confused with epiglottis
The glottis is the opening between the vocal cords in the larynx, whereas the epiglottis is the cartilage flap above it that covers the airway during swallowing.