a thin cartilaginous flap that covers the entrance to the larynx during swallowing, preventing food from entering the trachea
Derived forms
epiglottal (ˌepiˈglottal) or epiglottic (ˌepiˈglottic)
adjective
epiglottis in American English
(ˌɛpəˈglɑtɪs)
noun
the thin, triangular, lidlike piece of cartilage that folds back over the opening of the windpipe during swallowing, thus preventing food, etc. from entering the lungs