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Glite Dictionary
clival

clival

9.9
In or near the sloping part at the base of the skull
  • adjective
  • /ˈklaɪvəl/
  • Specialized
: clival
  • The surgeon explained that the clival region is critical for accessing the brainstem.

Examples

  • The MRI revealed an abnormal growth in the clival area, prompting further investigation.

  • In her medical studies, she became familiar with various clival tumors and their treatment options.

  • Clival chordomas rarely metastasize; local destruction is a hallmark feature.

    Academic text (2008)

  • Clival or sphenoid lesions are usually more advanced on presentation and are typically treated with debulking and postoperative radiation.

    Academic text (2005)

  • The results of fine-needle aspiration cytology were consistent with a chordoma; the histopathology was similar to that of her previous clival tumor.

    Academic text (2008)

Surface Forms

clival positive

Etymology

Clival comes from the Latin clivus, which means 'slope' or 'hill'. Think of a cliff or an incline — a sloping surface — and that is why clival describes a sloping part at the base of the skull.