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Glite Dictionary
odontoid process

odontoid process

9.9
A toothlike bony point on the second bone at the top of the spine that lets the head turn
  • noun
  • /oʊˈdɒn.tɔɪd ˈprɒs.ɛs/
  • Specialized
: proceso odontoides
  • Movement of the head from side to side depends on the odontoid process of the axis vertebra.

Examples

  • The X-ray revealed that the odontoid process was intact after the accident.

  • A fracture of the odontoid process can be severe and requires immediate medical attention.

  • The odontoid process is crucial for neck movement.

  • Anomalies in the odontoid process can lead to serious complications.

  • A fracture of the odontoid process can be severe and requires immediate medical attention.

  • Movement of the head from side to side depends on the odontoid process of the axis vertebra.

  • The X-ray revealed that the odontoid process was intact after the accident.

Surface Forms

odontoid process singular
odontoid processes plural

Morphology

odontoid + process

The compound is compositionally built: 'odontoid' (from Greek odonto- meaning 'tooth' — i.e. toothlike) combined with 'process' (a projection) yields 'toothlike projection,' which directly matches the definition. Thus, if a learner knows both constituents the overall meaning is derivable, although the term is technical and 'odontoid' is uncommon in everyday English.

Etymology

Odontoid process comes from parts where odontoid means 'tooth-like' and process means 'projection', so it is a small tooth-shaped bump on the second neck bone that lets the head turn.