foramen ovale

noun foramen ova·le \-ō-ˈva-lē, -ˈvä-, -ˈvā-\

Definition of FORAMEN OVALE

: an opening in the septum between the two atria of the heart that is normally present only in the fetus

New Latin, literally, oval opening

First Known Use: circa 1860

Medical Dictionary

noun foramen ova·le \-ō-ˈva-(ˌ)lē, -ˈvā-, -ˈvä-\

: an opening in the septum between the two atria of the heart that is normally present only in the fetus

: an oval opening in the greater wing of the sphenoid for passage of the mandibular nerve

Next Word in the Dictionary: foramina of Key and RetziusPrevious Word in the Dictionary: foramen magnumAll Words Near: foramen ovale

What made you want to look up foramen ovale? 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