mastoid

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   relating to the mastoid process or the region of the skull directly behind the ear

   The clinician checked the mastoid area for swelling and tenderness.

2. 2
   noun

   the mastoid process or mastoid part of the temporal bone behind the ear

   The surgeon made a small incision over the mastoid.

From New Latin mastoides, from Greek mastoeidēs, 'breast-shaped,' combining mastos ('breast or nipple') + -oeidēs ('resembling'). The name refers to the nipplelike projection of the temporal bone behind the ear.

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