[a. Gr. ἐπιγλωττίς, f. ἐπί upon + γλῶττα (γλῶσσα) tongue; cf. GLOTTIS.] ‘The erect, leaf-like cartilage at the root of the tongue, which during the act of swallowing is depressed, and forms a lid, or cover for the glottis’ (Syd. Soc. Lex.).

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1615.  Crooke, Body of Man, 971. The cauity giues way to the Epiglottis to open and lift it selfe vp.

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1650.  Sir T. Browne, Pseud. Ep. (ed. 2), IV. viii. 169. Birds have no Epiglottis.

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1746.  R. James, Introd. Monfet’s Health Impr., 4. The Aliment to be swallowed presses upon the Epiglottis.

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1847.  Youatt, Horse, ix. 217. The Epiglottis is a heart-shaped cartilage.

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1884.  Bristowe, Med., 389. Such swelling … may affect mainly the epiglottis.

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