hyoid

Everyday

(biology) The hyoid bone is a small U-shaped bone in the front of the neck, under the tongue; it is the only bone in the body not joined to another bone. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on the skeleton and on speech: it holds up the tongue and helps us swallow and speak. Phrases: the hyoid bone.

Examples

• The hyoid bone sits in your neck below your jaw. tree →
• The hyoid is the only bone not joined to any other bone. tree →
• Muscles of the tongue are attached to the hyoid. tree →
• The hyoid helps you swallow and talk. tree →
• Scientists study the hyoid of Neanderthals to learn whether they could speak. tree →
• You can feel your hyoid move when you swallow. tree →

Note

Say HY-oid. From the Greek letter upsilon, which it looks like. Usually used with bone: the hyoid bone.