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Glite Dictionary
condyloid process

condyloid process

9.9
A rounded part at the top of the lower jaw that joins the skull
  • noun
  • /ˈkɒndɪlɔɪd ˈprɒsɛs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : proceso condíleo
  • The condyloid process connects the jaw to the skull.

Examples

  • Radiographs revealed a fracture in the condyloid process after the accident.

  • Can you identify the condyloid processes on the diagram?

  • Injury to the condyloid process can affect how the lower jaw moves.

  • The surgeon carefully examined the condyloid process before proceeding with the jaw reconstruction.

  • The surgeon carefully examined the condyloid process before proceeding with the jaw reconstruction.

  • Radiographs revealed a fracture in the condyloid process after the accident.

  • Injury to the condyloid process can affect how the lower jaw moves.

Synonyms

condyle
vscondyloid process
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A rounded end of a bone that joins with another bone

is specific to the lower jaw and its joint with the skull
mandibular condyle
vscondyloid process
  • Specialized
8.0

A rounded end of the lower jaw that connects with the skull to make the jaw joint

is the same structure but uses a different accepted term
condylar process
vscondyloid process
  • Specialized
9.8

A rounded bone at the top of the lower jaw that fits the jaw joint

focuses on making the actual joint with the skull

Surface Forms

condyloid process singular
condyloid processes plural

Morphology

condyloid + process

The term combines 'condyloid' (relating to a condyle, i.e. a rounded articular surface) with 'process' (a bony projection), so the meaning 'rounded projection forming a joint' is directly compositional from its parts. Medical/Greek-derived morphology and parallel terminology in many languages make this construction predictable and inferable for learners who know the constituent words.

Etymology

Condyloid process may come from old Greek and Latin words: condyloid from a word for 'knuckle' and process meaning 'projection'. Imagine a rounded 'knuckle' sticking out of the lower jaw that fits into the skull like a hinge, and that's why the name now refers to the rounded jaw part that lets the lower jaw move.