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Glite Dictionary
vermiform appendix

vermiform appendix

6.3
A narrow tube of tissue attached to the lower end of the large intestine
  • noun
  • /ˈvɜrmɪˌfɔrm əˈpɛndɪks/
  • Specialized
translation icon : apéndice vermiforme
  • During the surgery, the doctor explained that the vermiform appendix has no significant function in adults.

Examples

  • An inflamed vermiform appendix can cause severe abdominal pain and requires immediate medical attention.

  • The vermiform appendix is often removed during an appendectomy when it becomes inflamed.

  • Vermiform appendix.

    Punchline (1988)

Synonyms

appendix
vsvermiform appendix
  • Specialized
40 5.4

A small tube at the lower end of the large intestine that can become infected

is a term that emphasizes it is often regarded as vestigial
cecal appendage
vsvermiform appendix
  • Specialized
8.2

A small pouch attached to the lower right part of the large intestine

is framed as often considered vestigial rather than asserted fact
vermiform process
vsvermiform appendix
  • Specialized
7.0

A small narrow tube at the lower end of the large intestine known as the appendix

is the anatomical label stressing its vestigial status

Surface Forms

vermiform appendix singular
vermiform appendices plural

Morphology

vermiform + appendix

This is a straightforward adjective + noun composition: 'vermiform' means 'worm-shaped' and 'appendix' means 'tube-like pouch', so the combined meaning ('a worm-shaped appendix') is directly derivable from the constituents. The compositional pattern is literal and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both words would understand the phrase.

Etymology

Vermiform appendix comes from old Latin words: vermiform means 'worm-shaped' and appendix means 'a thing that hangs on'. So the name gives a clear picture of a small, worm-like tube that hangs from the intestine, which is why it refers to that narrow pouch.