rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryuvulaThroat projection
noun

uvula

YOO-vyuh-luh/ˈjuːvjələ/

The small fleshy projection hanging at the back of the throat.

My uvula hangs just above the back of my tongue.

A tightly cropped frontal view into an open mouth, clearly showing the small rounded uvula hanging from the center of the soft palate above the lowered tongue.
Etymology
uvLatingrape
+ulaLatinsmall

The pieces give the image of a little grape or small bunch of grapes. The hanging tissue was named for its fancied resemblance to small grapes.

In context

Med School Made Easy0:52
Next, you've got the uvula, which dangles down from the top of the roof of your mouth.
Basic Mouth and Throat Anatomy: Anesthesia and ENT Basics

More examples

  • The doctor examines my uvula as I say “ah.”
  • A swollen uvula can make swallowing uncomfortable.
  • Touching the uvula can trigger a gag reflex.

Forms

uvula · uvulas · uvulae

uvular adjective — Relating to the uvula in the throat.