cricoid, a. and n. Anat.
(ˈkraɪkɔɪd)
[ad. mod.L. cricoīdēs, a. Gr. κρικοειδής ring-shaped, f. κρίκο-ς = κίρκος ring + -ειδής -form. Formerly used in L. form.]
A. adj. Ring-shaped; applied spec. to the ring-shaped cartilage which forms the lower and back part of the larynx.
| [1727–51 Chambers s.v., The cartilage cricoides.] 1746 R. James Introd. Moufet's Health's Improv. 5 The broad posterior Surface of the Cricoide Cartilage. 1861 F. H. Ramadge Curab. Consumpt. 36 Between the first ring of the trachea and the cricoid cartilage. |
B. n. The cricoid cartilage.
| [1706 Phillips (ed. Kersey), Cricoides, the Gristle of the Larynx, or top of the Wind-pipe, shaped like a Ring. 1727–51 Chambers s.v. Crico-arytænoidæus, In the posterior and lower part of the cricoides.] 1842 E. Wilson Anat. Vade M. 492 The Cricoid is a ring of cartilage, narrow in front and broad behind. 1872 Huxley Phys. vii. 179 A great ring of Cartilage, the Cricoid, which forms, as it were, the top of the windpipe. |