uvul-, uvulo-

(Latin: a pendent, fleshy mass of tissue hanging from the soft palate above the root of the tongue; mucous membrane)

bifid uvula (s) (noun); bifid uvulas, bifid uvulae (pl)
The little V-shaped fleshy protuberance hanging from the back of the soft palate (part of the roof of the mouth) which is split into two parts: The bifid uvula consists of muscle and tissue that dangles in two sections instead of one which is normal.
uvula (YOO vyuh luh) (s) (noun), uvuli (pl)
1. A small, soft appendage extending down from the middle of the lower edge of the soft palate (part of the roof of the mouth): The uvula is composed of muscle and connective tissue, with a covering of mucous membrane that can be seen dangling down at the back of the tongue.

The uvula is described variously as being shaped like a U, a tear, or a grape. Its name comes from the Latin word meaning "grape"; however, it looks more like a small finger than a grape.

A drawing of the uvula and other parts of the mouth.

A duplicate of an actual photograph of the uvula in the mouth.

A photograph of a person's uvula as shown at the back of his or her mouth just above the tongue.

2. Etymology: from Latin uvula, "a little grape".

Generally, a person's uvula moves upward when he or she says "Ah".

Some people have been known to say that the uvula vibrates during singing or shouting; however, it has nothing to do with the voice.

—Compiled from information located in the
ABC's of The Human Body; The Reader's Digest Association, Inc.
Pleasantville, New York; 1987; pages 224-225.
uvula of the bladder (s) (noun) (no pl)
A slight projection into the cavity of the bladder, usually more prominent in older men: The uvula of the bladder is located just behind the urethral opening that marks the location of the middle lobe of the prostate gland.
uvula of the soft palate (s) (noun), uvula of the soft palates (pl)
A conical protuberance from the back edge of the middle of the soft palate: The function of the uvula of the soft palate is to prevent food from entering the nasal cavity.

During swallowing, the uvula of the soft palate moves upward with the soft palate.

uvular (adjective), more uvular, most uvular
Relating to the fleshy extension at the back of the soft palate that hangs above the throat: Uvular sounds that are articulated with the back of the tongue and the uvula, as the "r" in French and the "q" in Arabic.
uvularis (s) (noun), uvulae (pl)
The muscle at the back of the nasal area: The uvularis raises the uvula.
uvulatome, uvulotome (s) (noun); uvulatomes; uvulotomes
An instrument for cutting off the lower part of, or for removing the small fleshy finger-like flap of tissue that is attached to the back of the throat and is an extension of the soft palate: A uvulatome is a medical instrument that is used to surgically operate on the uvula as indicated in this definition.
uvulectomy (s) (noun), uvulectomies (pl)
The surgical excision or removal of the central tag-like structure which is suspended from the edge of the soft palate or roof of the mouth: A uvulectomy is just one of several medical treatments for the uvula or the tissue that dangles down in the back of the throat.
uvulitis (adjective), more uvulitis, most uvulitis
Inflammation of the soft muscle, connective tissue, and the mucous membrane at the edge of the soft palate in the midline above the root of the tongue: Uvulitis involves pain, heat, redness, swelling, and (sometimes) a loss of function of the uvula.
uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, uvulopalatoplasty (s) (noun); uvulopalatopharyngoplasties; uvulopalatoplasties (pl)
A surgical technique for treating a severe obstructive sleep apnea, in which the airway at the back of the throat is widened by the removal of excess soft tissue including the uvula, tonsils, and part of the soft palate: Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty is a medical operation that is done to help people with severe breathing problems while sleeping or with significant snoring problems, however it does not always result in a cure.

These uvulopalatopharyngoplasties are usually done by using laser treatments.

uvuloptosis, uvulaptosis (s) (noun); uvuloptoses; uvulaptoses (pl)
Relaxation or elongation of the central structure which is suspended from the edge of the soft palate or roof of the mouth: Uvuloptosis is a condition that exists when the uvula is extended because of the lengthening of its muscle fibers.
uvulotomy (s) (noun), uvulotomies (pl)
A cutting or clipping medical operation of the dangling muscle in the upper surface of the mouth that separates the oral and nasal cavities: When a doctor proceeds with a uvulotomy, he or she is making a surgical resection of the appendage that hangs down from the upper part at the back of the mouth.

Cross references of word families that are derived directly, or indirectly, from: "grape, grapes": acin-; racem-; staphyl-; uveo-.