What does gular mean?
Gular is a specialized adjective meaning relating to the throat. Its best-known use is in zoology, where a pelican's expandable throat pouch is called a gular pouch. The term can also refer to a gular membrane, a gular fold, or the gular region of an animal's body, describing structures associated with the throat or the floor of the mouth. These usages are most familiar from animal anatomy and scientific description rather than everyday speech. Gular should not be confused with guttural, which more commonly describes sounds made at the back of the mouth or throat. The word comes from Latin gularis, formed from gula, meaning throat or gullet. Its English relatives include gullet and gully, which also ultimately derive from the same Latin word.
adjectiveRelating to or situated in the throat. In zoology and anatomy, it is especially used of a throat pouch or membrane and of the throat region of an animal's body.
- Relating to the throat.
- In zoological anatomy, describing a throat pouch, membrane, fold, or the throat region of an animal.
"The pelican's gular pouch expanded as it strained to swallow a large fish."
"The pelican's gular pouch expanded as it strained to swallow a large fish."
"The fish's gular region was shaded more heavily than the rest of its body."
A pelican's famous throat pouch has its own name: the gular pouch.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does gular come from?
The English adjective entered use in the early 17th century from Latin gularis, meaning “of the throat,” formed from Latin gula, “throat” or “gullet.” English gullet and gully also continue Latin gula through Old French, making them relatives of gular.
How gular is actually used
Chiefly a technical term in zoology, anatomy, and related fields. It is uncommon in general conversation and does not ordinarily mean a sound produced in the throat.
Easily confused with gular
Gular means relating to the throat, whereas guttural more specifically describes sounds produced at the back of the mouth or throat.