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Glite Dictionary
mastoidal

mastoidal

9.8
Relating to the bone behind the ear that looks like a small bump
  • adjective
  • /mæˈstɔɪdəl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : mastoidal
  • Inflammation of the mastoidal cells often indicates mastoiditis.

Examples

  • The skull had a clearly visible mastoidal process at the base.

  • The surgeon examined the mastoidal region for signs of infection.

  • The mastoidal region is crucial for ear anatomy.

  • Doctors often examine the mastoidal area during check-ups.

  • The surgeon examined the mastoidal region for signs of infection.

  • The skull had a clearly visible mastoidal process at the base.

  • Inflammation of the mastoidal cells often indicates mastoiditis.

Synonyms

mastoid
vsmastoidal
  • Specialized
2 8.9

Relating to the bone behind the ear

also applies to any nipple-like shape not only the bone behind the ear
mammillary
vsmastoidal
  • Specialized
9.8

Having many small rounded bumps like nipples

is specific to the bone behind the ear rather than general surface projections

Surface Forms

mastoideal positive

Morphology

mastoidal = mastoid (semi-transparent) = mastoid + al

The word is formed regularly from the technical base 'mastoid' plus the adjectival suffix '-al', but the base itself is a specialized anatomical term.

Etymology

The word mastoidal comes from the Greek root mastos meaning 'breast' or 'nipple' and the ending -oid meaning 'like' or 'shape of', so it describes something that is 'nipple-shaped', like the bony bump behind the ear.