I. ˈmaˌstȯid, ˈmaaˌ- adjective
Etymology: New Latin mastoides, from Greek mastoeidēs, from mastos breast + -oeidēs -oid — more at meat
1.
a. : resembling a nipple or breast ; specifically : being a process of the temporal bone behind the ear, well developed and of somewhat conical form in adult man but inconspicuous in children
b. : being any of several bony elements (as the pterotic bone) occupying a similar position in the skull of various lower vertebrates
2. : of, relating to, in the region of, or affecting the mastoid process
II. noun
( -s )
1. : a mastoid bone or process
2.
a. : mastoiditis
recovering from a severe mastoid
— not used technically
b. : an operation for the relief of mastoiditis