1 foramen magnum | Definition of foramen magnum
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

foramen magnum

noun
fo·​ra·​men mag·​num | \ fə-ˌrā-mən-ˈmag-nəm How to pronounce foramen magnum (audio) \

Definition of foramen magnum

: the opening in the skull through which the spinal cord passes to become the medulla oblongata

Examples of foramen magnum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Though the fossil exhibited apelike features, the position of the foramen magnum, or the opening that allows the spinal cord and brain to meet, convinced Dart that the child had walked upright like a human. — Smithsonian, "Accessibility Navigation," 27 Mar. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'foramen magnum.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of foramen magnum

1857, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for foramen magnum

New Latin, literally, large opening

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for foramen magnum

foramen magnum

noun
foramen mag·​num | \ -ˈmag-nəm How to pronounce foramen magnum (audio) \

Medical Definition of foramen magnum

: the opening in the skull through which the spinal cord passes to become the medulla oblongata

More from Merriam-Webster on foramen magnum

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about foramen magnum

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!