pterygoid process

/ (ˈtɛrɪˌɡɔɪd) /

noun

anatomy either of two long bony plates extending downwards from each side of the sphenoid bone within the skull

Word Origin for pterygoid process

C18 pterygoid, from Greek pterugoeidēs, from pterux wing; see -oid

Words nearby pterygoid process

pterygium, pterygo-, pterygoid, pterygoid canal, pterygoid nerve, pterygoid process, pterygomandibular, pterygomaxillary, pterygopalatine, pterygopalatine canal, pterygopalatine ganglion

Medical definitions for pterygoid process

pterygoid process

n.

A long process of the sphenoid bone extending downward from the junction of its body and great wing.