hyoid
|hy-oid|
/ˈhaɪɔɪd/
U-shaped bone in the neck
Etymology
'hyoid' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'hyoeides', where 'hyo-' meant 'U-shaped' (like the Greek letter upsilon) and '-eides' meant 'form' or 'shape'.
'hyoid' changed from New Latin word 'hyoides' and eventually became the modern English word 'hyoid'.
Initially, it meant 'U-shaped', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a U-shaped bone in the neck'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a U-shaped bone in the anterior neck (the hyoid bone) that supports the tongue and serves as an attachment point for muscles and ligaments; not articulated with other bones.
The surgeon examined the patient's hyoid for fractures.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
relating to the hyoid bone (used attributively, e.g., hyoid apparatus, hyoid reconstruction).
They performed a hyoid reconstruction.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/11 16:45