Pronunciation: [ˈɒɹɪfɪs] (IPA) 
The word "orifice" is spelled with the letter O, followed by the letters R, I, F, I, C, and E. In IPA phonetic transcription, this word is spelled as /ˈɒr.ɪ.fɪs/. The stress falls on the second syllable, marked by the symbol /ˈɪ/. The symbol /ɒ/ represents the short vowel sound in "hot." The symbol /r/ represents the trilled 'r' sound, while the symbols /ɪ/ and /ɛ/ represent the short vowel sounds in "bit" and "bet," respectively.
Orifice is a noun that refers to a small opening or hole in a surface, typically in the body or in an object. It is commonly used in anatomy to describe specific openings in the human body, such as the mouth, nostrils, ears, anus, or urethra. In this context, orifices function as entry or exit points for various substances, fluids, or organs.
Additionally, orifice is also used to describe openings in objects or devices where the flow of materials, gases, or liquids occur. For instance, in engineering or plumbing, an orifice can be a small aperture or hole in a pipe or valve, designed to control the flow or pressure of liquids or gases passing through it.
The term orifice can also be used metaphorically to describe any kind of opening or entrance. For example, it can refer to an opening in a rock formation, a vent in a volcano, or even an opening in a computer program or software.
Overall, whether applied to human anatomy, engineering, or other contexts, orifice serves as a descriptive term for any small aperture or hole that facilitates the flow, movement, or connection of substances or objects, whether natural or man-made.
Any aperture or opening.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
A mouth or aperture, as of a pipe or tube; any opening.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "orifice" originated from the Latin word "ōrificium", which is a combination of the words "ōs" meaning "mouth" and "facere" meaning "to make". The combination of these Latin terms formed "ōrificium", which means "an opening or entrance". The word eventually evolved into "orifice" in English, maintaining its original meaning as a general term for an opening in a body or an object.
