rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryparotidSalivary gland near the ear
noun / adjective

parotid

puh-RAH-tuhd/pəˈrɑtəd/

A major salivary gland near the ear, or relating to it.

Each parotid gland produces saliva that helps moisten food during chewing.

A close lateral anatomical cutaway of an older woman's cheek shows the healthy parotid gland immediately in front of and below the ear, with its duct crossing the cheek toward the mouth.
Etymology
parGreekbeside, near
+otidGreekear

The pieces mean “beside the ear,” identifying the gland by its location. The Greek ancestor named a tumor near the ear; the English adjective describes the major salivary gland in that region.

In context

Ocular Surface Gurukul4:10
the parotid glands are enlarged
When Ophthalmology Meets Rheumatology: Bridging the Gap Through Real-World Cases -Part 1

More examples

  • The surgeon removes a small tumor from the left parotid.
  • Mumps can cause painful swelling of the parotids.
  • A blocked parotid duct can cause swelling during meals.

Forms

parotid · parotids

parotitis noun — Inflammation of one or both parotid glands.

Similar words

salivary
Describes saliva or any saliva-producing gland, not specifically the parotid.