ethmoid

noun eth·moid \ˈeth-ˌmȯid\

Definition of ETHMOID

: a light spongy cubical bone forming much of the walls of the nasal cavity and part of those of the orbits

— ethmoid \same\ or eth·moi·dal \(ˌ)eth-ˈmȯi-d^əl\ adjective

French ethmoïde, from Greek ēthmoeidēs, literally, like a strainer, from ēthmos strainer

First Known Use: 1842

Next Word in the Dictionary: ethmolithPrevious Word in the Dictionary: ethiops mineralAll Words Near: ethmoid

What made you want to look up ethmoid? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears