I. ˈterəˌgȯid adjective
also pter·y·goi·dal | ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷|gȯid ə l
Etymology: pterygoid probably from (assumed) New Latin pterygoides, from Greek pterygoeidēs winglike, from pteryg- + -oeidēs -oid; pterygoidal from pterygoid (II) + -al
: of, relating to, being, or lying in the region of the inferior part of the sphenoid bone of the vertebrate skull — see pterygoid bone
II. “+ noun
( -s )
: a pterygoid element (as a muscle, nerve, or bone)