How Do You Spell ETHMOID?

Pronunciation: [ˈɛθmɔ͡ɪd] (IPA)

Ethmoid is a medical term used to describe a bone located in the skull. The IPA phonetic transcription for "ethmoid" is /ˈɛθmɔɪd/. The spelling of this word is derived from two different sources. The first element, "ethmo-" is derived from the Greek word "ethmos", which means "sieve". The second element, "-id", comes from the Greek suffix "-eidēs", which means "resembling". Together, the word ethmoid describes a bone that resembles a sieve due to its numerous perforations. Proper spelling of medical terms like this is essential to ensure clear communication among healthcare professionals.

ETHMOID Meaning and Definition

  1. Ethmoid refers to the ethmoid bone, a small, fragile, and complex skull bone located between the eye sockets (orbit) and behind the nasal cavity. It is wedge-shaped and spans across the base of the skull, forming the upper part of the nasal cavity and separating it from the brain. The ethmoid bone is one of the cranial bones and contributes to the structure and framework of the face.

    The ethmoid bone is specifically located on the midline of the skull, forming the crucial part of the anterior cranial fossa, which supports the frontal lobes of the brain. It consists of several thin, delicate plates that form the orbital plates, cribriform plates, and perpendicular plate, among others. These plates contain numerous tiny perforations and cavities called ethmoidal cells.

    The ethmoid bone plays a vital role in providing structural support and protection to the brain and the nasal cavity. It also helps to separate the nasal cavity into two distinct passages and contributes to the sense of smell by housing the olfactory bulbs. Additionally, the ethmoid bone is involved in the drainage of the sinuses, which helps to moisturize the nasal passages and filter air.

    Overall, the ethmoid bone is a critical component of the skull and facial anatomy that contributes to the integrity of the nasal cavity, brain protection, and sense of smell.

  2. 1. Resembling a sieve, cribriform. 2. Relating to the ethmoid bone. 3. The ethmoid bone, os ethmoidale.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. Perforated with holes like a sieve-applied to the bone of the nose, which is perforated like a sieve for the passage of the olfactory nerves.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for ETHMOID

Etymology of ETHMOID

The word "ethmoid" is derived from the Ancient Greek words "ethmos" (meaning sieve) and "oeides" (meaning resembling). The term was originally coined by the anatomist Andreas Vesalius in the 16th century to describe the ethmoid bone, which is located between the eye sockets and helps to form the nasal cavity. The word "ethmoid" was used to describe the bone's sieve-like appearance due to its numerous perforations and thin, delicate structure.

Plural form of ETHMOID is ETHMOIDS

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