Category Archives: OET Vocabulary

Laryngeal Prominence – Meaning and Usage in Medical English

Laryngeal Prominence – Anatomy and Meaning of the Adam’s Apple in Medical English

👁 What Does “Laryngeal Prominence” Mean? The term laryngeal prominence refers to the visible bump on the front of the neck, commonly known as the Adam’s apple. It comes from laryngeal (meaning “of the larynx,” from Greek larynx) and prominence (meaning “something that projects outward”). This structure is formed by the thyroid cartilage — the […]

Throat – Meaning and Usage in Medical English

Medical header banner with the title “Throat

👁 What Does “Throat” Mean? The throat refers to the passage that connects the mouth and nose to the esophagus and trachea. The word comes from Old English þrote, meaning “neck” or “gullet,” and is widely used in both everyday and clinical English. Anatomically, it includes the pharynx and larynx, which play key roles in […]

Mentum – Meaning and Usage in Medical English

Header: “Mentum – The Medical Term for Chin” on medical banner

👁 What Does “Mentum” Mean? Mentum refers to the lower front part of the face, commonly known as the chin. The word comes from Latin, meaning “chin” or “projection.” In anatomical terms, it’s part of the mandible (lower jawbone) and forms the prominent point of the jawline. 🔍 Clinical Usage In clinical documentation, you’ll often […]

Beard – Meaning and Usage in Medical English

close-up of lower face showing beard region for medical study

👁 What Does “Beard” Mean? The beard refers to the hair that grows on the lower part of the face, especially on the chin, cheeks, and jawline. The word comes from the Old English beard, which has remained largely unchanged in modern usage. In medical or anatomical contexts, it’s often used to describe a region […]

Jaw – Meaning and Usage in Medical English

Jaw - The Medical Term for the Lower Part of the Face

👁 What Does “Jaw” Mean? The jaw refers to the bone that forms the lower part of the face and holds the lower teeth. In anatomy, it’s known as the mandible, while the upper jaw is called the maxilla. The word comes from Old English ceowan, meaning “to chew,” which perfectly describes its function. In […]

Gingiva – Meaning and Usage in Medical English

“A clean medical banner with the title ‘Gingiva – The Medical Term for Gums’ on a light blue abstract background.”

👁 What Does “Gingiva” Mean? Gingiva refers to the soft tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth, more commonly known as the gums. The word comes from Latin gingiva, meaning “gum” or “mucous tissue of the mouth.” It forms the part of the oral mucosa that tightly adheres to the teeth and the underlying bone, […]

Nostril – Meaning and Usage in Medical English

A medical banner showing the title “Nostril – The Medical Term for the Outer Part of the Nose” on a light blue background.

👁 What Does “Nostril” Mean? The word nostril refers to one of the two external openings of the nose. Each nostril allows air to enter and exit the nasal passages. The term comes from the Old English nosu (nose) and thyrel (hole). Together, it literally means “nose hole.” In clinical anatomy, both nostrils lead into […]

Ala of Nose – Meaning and Usage in Medical English

Ala of Nose – Meaning and Usage in Medical English

👁 What Does “Ala of Nose” Mean? In medical terminology, “Ala” comes from the Latin word for “wing.”So the Ala of the Nose literally means the “wing of the nose.” It refers to the flared, outer part of each nostril, forming the visible curve on either side. You can feel it easily: it’s the soft […]

Dorsum of the Nose – Meaning and Usage in Medical English

The dorsum of the nose refers to the bridge of the nose

The dorsum of the nose is a term that often appears in clinical notes or anatomy descriptions — but what exactly does it mean, and how do doctors use it in real communication? Let’s break it down in simple, professional English. 👁 What Does “Dorsum of the Nose” Mean? The dorsum of the nose refers […]

Lentigo Meaning and Pronunciation – The Medical Term for a Dark Skin Spot

A lentigo refers to a small, flat, dark skin spot caused by an increase in melanin pigment

Have you ever noticed a small, flat brown spot on someone’s cheek or hand and wondered what doctors call it? Today’s term will help you describe those common skin findings accurately in clinical communication. 👁 What Does “Lentigo” Mean? A lentigo refers to a small, flat, dark skin spot caused by an increase in melanin […]