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Noun: epiglottis (epiglottides,epiglottises)  ,e-pu'gló-tis
  1. A flap of cartilage that covers the windpipe while swallowing
    "The epiglottis prevents food from entering the trachea"

Derived forms: epiglottides, epiglottises

Type of: cartilaginous structure

Part of: trachea, windpipe

Encyclopedia: Epiglottis