adjective
lingual
Relating to the tongue.
The dentist checks the lingual surface of each lower tooth.
Etymology
The root directly names the tongue. The adjective ending makes lingual a term for the organ and structures or actions related to it.
More examples
- Damage to the lingual nerve can cause tongue numbness.
- Lingual muscles move the tongue during speech and swallowing.
- The lingual tonsils sit at the base of the tongue.
Similar words
- oral
- Refers to the whole mouth, not specifically the tongue.