mastoid bone

/'mæstɔid'boun/

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Explanation of "Mastoid Bone"

Definition: The "mastoid bone" is a part of the skull located just behind your ear. It is a bony structure that is shaped like a small nipple or cone and is part of the temporal bone, which is one of the bones that make up the sides of your head.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use the term "mastoid bone" when talking about human anatomy, particularly when discussing the skull or ear health.
• It is mostly used in medical contexts, so you might encounter it in discussions with doctors or in biology classes.

Example:

• "The doctor examined the mastoid bone to check for any signs of infection behind my ear."

Advanced Usage:

• In medical studies, you might hear terms like "mastoiditis," which is an infection of the mastoid bone.
• In more detailed anatomical discussions, you might refer to the "mastoid process," which is the specific part of the mastoid bone that extends down from the skull.

Word Variants:

• Mastoiditis: Inflammation or infection of the mastoid bone.
• Mastoid process: The part of the mastoid bone that is visible behind the ear.

Different Meanings:

• The word "mastoid" itself refers to anything related to the mastoid bone. It doesn’t have other meanings outside of the anatomical context.

Synonyms:

• There are no direct synonyms for "mastoid bone" in common language, but related terms include:
  • Temporal bone: The larger bone of which the mastoid is a part.
  • Skull: The bony structure of the head that includes the mastoid.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no idioms or phrasal verbs that directly relate to "mastoid bone," as it is a specific anatomical term.

Summary:

The mastoid bone is an important part of your skull located behind your ear, and it is mainly discussed in medical or anatomical contexts.

Academic

Noun

1. process of the temporal bone behind the ear at the base of the skull

Synonyms

• mastoid
• mastoid process
• mastoidal