What does glottis mean?
The glottis is the precisely controlled opening in the larynx formed by the vocal folds. It is the anatomical gate through which exhaled air is shaped into speech and voice: the folds can remain open for breathing, draw close for certain sounds, and briefly close completely to stop voicing. In voice science, speech therapy, and medicine, “glottal” refers to sound produced at this site, and the term also appears in discussions of breathing, swallowing, and surgery. The word is technical rather than everyday, but it is useful because it identifies both a specific structure and a specific place of sound production, not the whole voice box. Its relatives, including glottal and epiglottis, make its location and function easier to remember: the glottis is the opening, while the epiglottis is the flap above it. Although a person normally has one glottis, the plural is used when scientists compare animals or other specimens.
nounThe opening in the larynx between the vocal folds, through which air passes and whose adjustment permits speech and voice production.
- The opening in the larynx between the vocal folds.
"The singer narrowed the glottis slightly, softening the onset of the sustained note."
"The singer narrowed the glottis slightly, softening the onset of the sustained note."
"The laryngoscope was positioned just above the glottis."
The plural is uncommon for a single person's anatomy but is used when referring to multiple animals or specimens.
"The researchers compared the shape of the frogs' glottises."
The glottis is the body's voice gate: close it and voiced sounds stop, though whispering can continue.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does glottis come from?
The word entered English in the 17th century through New Latin, from Ancient Greek glōtta, meaning “tongue” or “voice.” The same Greek element appears in epiglottis, formed with epi-, meaning “upon” or “on.” It also underlies the English adjective glottal and its derivatives glottalize and glottalise.
Related word forms
How glottis is actually used
A technical term used chiefly in anatomy, medicine, phonetics, and speech science rather than in everyday speech. It denotes the opening itself, not the entire larynx or voice box.
Easily confused with glottis
The glottis is the opening between the vocal folds, whereas the epiglottis is the flap of cartilage positioned above the larynx.