uvula
[ˈjuːv.jʊ.lə]
[ˈjuːv.jə.lə]
An uvula is a small, fleshy part at the back of your throat. It's like a tiny flap or a bump.
You might not think about it often, but the uvula comes up when you're talking or swallowing food. Imagine eating a big sandwich – the uvula helps move the food down your esophagus so it doesn't get stuck in your throat. If you gargle with water, the uvula gets all wobbly and fun to watch too. Doctors might check for problems with the uvula if someone has trouble swallowing or has an infection that affects this area of the body.
How common is "uvula"?
Word uvula is considered rare in modern English.
It appears most frequently in academic texts and less often in other writings.
It appears most frequently in academic texts and less often in other writings.
Definitions
noun
The fleshy appendage that hangs from the back of the palate, that closes the nasopharynx during swallowing.
palatine uvulastaphyletonsils
Real examples of "uvula" in context
