pterygoid
1 of 2adjective
pter·y·goid ˈter-ə-ˌgȯid 
: of, relating to, or lying in the region of the inferior part of the sphenoid bone of the vertebrate skull
pterygoid
2 of 2noun
: a pterygoid part (such as a bone, muscle, or nerve)
Word History
Etymology
Adjective
New Latin pterygoides, from Greek pterygoeidēs, literally, shaped like a wing, from pteryg-, pteryx wing; akin to Greek pteron wing — more at feather
First Known Use
Adjective
1694, in the meaning defined above
Noun
1822, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing pterygoid
Medical Definition
pterygoid 1 of 2
adjective
pter·y·goid ˈter-ə-ˌgȯid
: of, relating to, being, or lying in the region of the inferior part of the sphenoid bone
pterygoid
2 of 2noun
: a pterygoid part (as a pterygoid muscle or nerve)