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Glite Dictionary
arytaenoid

arytaenoid

9.9
A small cartilage at the back of the voice box to which the vocal cords attach
  • noun
  • /ˌɛrɪˈteɪnɔɪd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : aritenoides
  • Damage to the arytaenoid cartilage can affect the voice and breathing.

Examples

  • Movement of the arytaenoid controls the tension and position of the vocal folds.

  • The surgeon carefully examined both arytaenoid cartilages during the procedure.

  • The arytaenoid cartilage is vital.

  • Each arytaenoid plays a role.

  • Damage to the arytaenoid cartilage can affect the voice and breathing.

  • Movement of the arytaenoid controls the tension and position of the vocal folds.

  • The surgeon carefully examined both arytaenoid cartilages during the procedure.

Synonyms

arytenoid cartilage
vsarytaenoid
  • Specialized
8.1

A small cartilage at the back of the voice box where a vocal cord attaches

is the same structure but uses the other variant term
arytenoid
vsarytaenoid
  • Specialized
9.9

One of two small pieces of firm tissue at the back of the voice box that hold the vocal cords

focuses on attachment location without noting voice function

Surface Forms

arytaenoid singular
arytaenoids plural

Morphology

arytaenoid = arytaen + oid

The stem 'arytaen' is a specialized combining form not a standalone English word and the whole term is a technical anatomical name, so a B1 learner cannot reliably derive the meaning from its parts.

Etymology

Arytaenoid comes from a Greek part arytaen-, meaning 'ladle', plus the ending -oid, meaning 'like' and seen in asteroid. A helpful way to remember it is that the two small, 'ladle-like' cartilages at the back of the voice box have that cup shape, which explains the name and how they help move the vocal cords.