before a vowel cœl-, combining form of Gr. κοῖλος hollow, in various scientific terms, as Cœlodont, a. [Gr. ὀδούς, ὀδοντ- tooth], hollow-toothed (epithet of certain lizard-like reptiles as distinguished from the pledont or solid-toothed). Cœlorrhizous a. [Gr. ῥίζα root], having hollow roots. Cœlorrhyncous a. [Gr. ῥύγχος beak], hollow-beaked (Syd. Soc. Lex.). † Cœlostomy [ad. Gr. κοιλοστομία, f. στόμα mouth], hollowness of voice (cf. CELOSTOMY). Also CŒLACANTH, CŒLOSPERM, etc.
1678. Phillips (App.), Coelostomie, a speaking with a hollow voice.
1727. Art of Speaking in Publick, 64 (Jod.). There’s another vice of Speaking … which the Grecians have called Cœlostomy. It consists in Mumbling, when a Man does not open his mouth wide enough for his Words.
