rima respiratoria
- noun
- /ˈriːmə ˌrɛspɪˈrɑːtɔːriə/
- Specialized
- Swelling of the false vocal cords can narrow the rima respiratoria and affect airflow.
Examples
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The surgeon carefully examined the rima respiratoria for any signs of obstruction.
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The anatomy lecture covered the rima respiratoria and its role in respiratory function.
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The rima respiratoria is crucial for sound production.
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In anatomy class, we studied the rima respiratoria.
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The anatomy lecture covered the rima respiratoria and its role in respiratory function.
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Swelling of the false vocal cords can narrow the rima respiratoria and affect airflow.
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The surgeon carefully examined the rima respiratoria for any signs of obstruction.
Synonyms
A small gap between the false vocal cords in the voice box
A small opening between the false vocal cords in the voice box
A small opening between the false vocal folds in the voice box
Surface Forms
Morphology
rima + respiratoria
The compound is compositionally built from rima (a fissure or opening) + respiratoria (breathing/respiratory), so its meaning as an airway-related opening follows directly from the constituents. Even though 'respiratoria' was not listed in the provided dictionary entry, it is a clear cognate of English 'respiratory' and the anatomical sense is predictable to learners who know both parts.
Etymology
The noun rima respiratoria comes from words meaning 'breathing gap': rima is a small gap and respiratoria means 'for breathing'. Picture two thin flaps in the throat with a narrow opening between them that lets air pass — that opening is the rima respiratoria, so the name simply describes the breathing opening.