How Do You Spell BIFID UVULA?

Pronunciation: [bˈɪfɪd jˈuːvjʊlə] (IPA)

The phrase "bifid uvula" refers to a rare congenital condition where the uvula, a small fleshy protuberance in the back of the throat, is split into two. The term is spelled "bifid uvula" with the IPA phonetic transcription /ˈbaɪfɪd ˈjuːvjʊlə/, which indicates that the word is pronounced with a stressed syllable on the first "i" and a weak stress on the second syllable. The "b" is pronounced as a voiced bilabial plosive, the "f" as a voiceless labiodental fricative, the "v" as a voiced labiodental fricative, and the "l" as a voiced alveolar lateral approximant.

BIFID UVULA Meaning and Definition

1. A bifid uvula is a medical term referring to a condition where the uvula, a small fleshy structure that hangs down from the middle of the soft palate at the back of the throat, is divided or cleft at its end. The uvula, composed of muscle and connective tissue, plays a role in speech, swallowing, and the prevention of food and liquid from entering the nasal cavity during swallowing.

   In cases of a bifid uvula, the normally elongated and tapered uvula is split into two separate lobes at its tip. This condition is considered to be a birth defect, typically occurring due to abnormal development of the uvula during pregnancy. While the exact causes are not well understood, it may be associated with certain genetic factors or syndromes.

   A bifid uvula is generally a harmless condition and does not usually cause any significant health issues. However, it may be an indicator of an underlying syndrome or disorder. In some cases, individuals with a bifid uvula may experience minor difficulties with speech, such as a nasal or muffled voice. Additionally, a bifid uvula may be associated with an increased risk of developing certain ear, nose, and throat infections.

   Treatment for a bifid uvula is typically not necessary unless it is causing significant functional or cosmetic concerns. If required, surgical intervention can be considered to correct the cleft and reconstruct the uvula. However, the decision for any medical intervention would depend on the specific circumstances and symptoms experienced by the individual.

2. Bifurcation of the uvula, constituting an elementary cleft palate.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for BIFID UVULA

• vifid uvula
• nifid uvula
• hifid uvula
• gifid uvula
• bufid uvula
• bjfid uvula
• bkfid uvula
• bofid uvula
• b9fid uvula
• b8fid uvula
• bidid uvula
• bicid uvula
• bivid uvula
• bigid uvula
• bitid uvula
• birid uvula
• bifud uvula
• bifjd uvula
• bifkd uvula
• bifod uvula

Etymology of BIFID UVULA

The term "bifid uvula" originates from Latin.

- "Bifid" comes from the Latin word "bi-" meaning "two" and "fīdus" meaning "split" or "cleft".

- "Uvula" comes from the Latin word "uvula" which directly translates to "little grape" or "grape".

Therefore, "bifid uvula" literally means "split grape", describing the appearance of the uvula when it is divided into two distinct lobes.

Plural form of BIFID UVULA is BIFID UVULAS