: the pendent fleshy lobe in the middle of the posterior border of the soft palate

Examples of uvula in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Maybe that video thumbnail showing off Donaldson’s pearly whites instead of his uvula will help. Wes Davis, The Verge, 23 Sep. 2023 In the medical genetics department at Rienhoff’s alma mater, a colleague introduced him to Bart Loeys, an expert physician and geneticist who found Beatrice had a split uvula, the projection of the soft palate at the back of the throat. Delthia Ricks, Discover Magazine, 5 Oct. 2011

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin, diminutive of Latin uva cluster of grapes, uvula; probably akin to Greek oa service tree, Old English īw yew — more at yew

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of uvula was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near uvula

Cite this Entry

“Uvula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uvula. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

plural uvulas or uvulae -ˌlē How to pronounce uvula (audio)
-ˌlī
: the small fleshy fingerlike part hanging down from the back part of the roof of the mouth

Medical Definition

1
: the pendent fleshy lobe in the middle of the posterior border of the soft palate
2
: a lobe of the inferior vermis of the cerebellum located in front of the pyramid

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