preorbital
|pre-or-bi-tal|
🇺🇸
/priːˈɔrbɪtəl/
🇬🇧
/priːˈɔːbɪtəl/
before the eye/orbit
Etymology
'preorbital' originates from Latin elements: the prefix 'prae' meaning 'before' (via English prefix 'pre-') combined with 'orbital' from Latin 'orbita' meaning 'track' or 'wheel' and later 'orbit'.
'preorbital' formed in modern English by combining the prefix 'pre-' with the adjective 'orbital' (from Latin 'orbita'); the compound has been used in anatomical and zoological contexts to denote position relative to the orbit.
Initially it literally indicated 'before the orbit (eye socket)'; over time it has retained this core locational sense and has also come to name specific anatomical structures (e.g., the preorbital gland).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a preorbital gland or structure located in front of the eye (found in some mammals), often used for scent marking.
The deer rubbed its face against the branch, leaving scent from its preorbital.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
situated in front of the orbit (eye socket); anterior to the eye or orbital region.
The preorbital region of the skull was examined for signs of trauma.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/04 10:41