adj. & n.
--adj. situated near the ear.
--n. (in full parotid gland) a salivary gland in front of the ear.
Phrases and idioms:
parotid duct a duct opening from the parotid gland into the mouth.
Etymology: F parotide or L parotis parotid- f. Gk parotis -idos (as PARA-(1), ous otos ear)