a. and sb. Anat. [ad. mod.L. cricoīdēs, a. Gr. κρικοειδής ring-shaped, f. κρίκο-ς = κίρκος ring + -ειδής -form. Formerly used in L. form.]
A. adj. Ring-shaped; applied spec. to the ring-shaped cartilage that forms the lower and back part of the larynx.
[172751. Chambers, s.v., The cartilage cricoides.]
1746. R. James, Introd. Moufets Healths Improv., 5. The broad posterior Surface of the Cricoide Cartilage.
1861. F. H. Ramadge, Curab. Consumpt., 36. Between the first ring of the trachea and the cricoid cartilage.
B. sb. The cricoid cartilage.
[1706. Phillips (ed. Kersey), Cricoides, the Gristle of the Larynx, or top of the Wind-pipe, shaped like a Ring.
172751. Chambers, s.v. Crico-arytænoidæus, In the posterior and lower part of the cricoides.]
1842. E. Wilson, Anat. Vade M., 492. The Cricoid is a ring of cartilage, narrow in front and broad behind.
1872. Huxley, Physiol., vii. 1789. A great ring of cartilage, the cricoid..., which forms, as it were, the top of the windpipe.
Cricoidean, a. = CRICOID. (Syd. Soc. Lex.)