Definition

Relating to the ethmoid bone, which is a bone in the skull located between the eyes that helps form the nasal cavity and the orbits of the eyes.

Example

The surgeon carefully examined the ethmoidal region during the procedure.

Conversation

Did you hear about the ethmoidal sinus issues people are having lately?

Yeah, I read something about that; it sounds pretty uncomfortable.

I wonder if it’s caused by allergies or something in the air.

That could be it; the ethmoidal area is often affected by allergies.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Ethmoidal → It is formed from "ethmos" (from Greek ἔθμος, meaning sieve) and the suffix "-al" (meaning pertaining to). The word "ethmoidal" refers to something that pertains to the ethmoid bone, which has a sieve-like structure in the skull.

Memory Tip

Think of the Greek word for sieve ('ethmos') to remember that 'ethmoidal' relates to the bone in the skull that has a sieve-like appearance.

Visually Confused Words