Word Study
mastoid
WORDNET DICTIONARY
Noun mastoid has 1 sense
- mastoid(n = noun.body) mastoid bone, mastoid process, mastoidal - process of the temporal bone behind the ear at the base of the skull; Array has parts: mastoidale
is a part of os temporale, temporal bone
is a kind of appendage, outgrowth, process
Derived form adjective mastoid1
Adjective mastoid has 2 senses
- mastoid(a = adj.pert) Array - of or relating to or in the region of the mastoid process; Array Derived form noun mastoid1
- mastoid(a = adj.pert) mastoidal - relating to or resembling a nipple; Array
CIDE DICTIONARY
mastoid, a. [Gr. ; masto`s the breast + e'i^dos form: cf. F. mastoïde.].
Resembling the nipple or the breast; -- applied specifically to a process of the temporal bone behind the ear. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
mastoid, adj. & n.
--adj. shaped like a woman's breast.
--n.
1 = mastoid process.
2 colloq. mastoiditis.
--adj. shaped like a woman's breast.
--n.
1 = mastoid process.
2 colloq. mastoiditis.
Idiom
mastoid process a conical prominence on the temporal bone behind the ear, to which muscles are attached.
Etymology
F masto{iuml}de or mod.L mastoides f. Gk mastoeides f. mastos breast
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