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A spasmodic state of the glottis, giving rise to contraction or closure of the opening.

and a current of air passes between them. The larynx is connected with the pharynx by an opening, the glottis, which, in mammals, is protected by a lidlike epiglottis.

To close, as an opening, with latticework; to furnish with a lattice; as, to lattice a window. To lattice up, to cover or inclose with a lattice. Therein it seemeth he [Alexander] hath latticed up Cæsar. Sir T. North.

Having the effect of loosening or opening the intestines, and relieving from constipation; -- opposed to astringent. -- n. (Med.)

The width of port opening which is uncovered by the valve, for the admission or release of steam, at the instant when the piston is at end of its stroke.

genus of gigantic trees, chiefly Brazilian, of the order Myrtaceæ, having woody capsules opening by an apical lid. Lecythis Zabucajo yields the delicious sapucaia nuts. L. Ollaria produces the monkey-pots, its capsules. Its bark separates into thin sheets, like paper, used by the natives for cigarette wrappers.…

That which covers the opening of a vessel or box, etc. ; a movable cover; as, the lid of a chest or trunk.

A horizontal member spanning an opening, and carrying the superincumbent weight by means of its strength in resisting crosswise fracture.

An edge of an opening; a thin projecting part of anything; a kind of short open spout; as, the lip of a vessel.

A small, narrow opening; a loophole. And stop all sight-holes, every loop from whence The eye of Reason may pry in upon us. Shak.

A small opening, as in the walls of fortification, or in the bulkhead of a ship, through which small arms or other weapons may be discharged at an enemy.

A small narrow opening or window in a tower or fortified wall; a loophole.

d luffer.] Louver boards or boarding, the sloping boards set to shed rainwater outward in openings which are to be left otherwise unfilled; as belfry windows, the openings of a louver, etc. -- Louver work, slatted work.

(Biol.) An opening, space, or cavity, esp. a tubular cavity; a vacuole.

An opening between the corbels which support a projecting parapet, or in the floor of a gallery or the roof of a portal, shooting or dropping missiles upen assailants attacking the base of the walls. Also, the construction of such defenses, in general, when of this character. See Illusts. of Battlement and Castle.…

The opening or space inclosed by the threads of a net between knot and knot, or the threads inclosing such a space; network; a net. A golden mesh to entrap the hearts of men. Shak.

An opening in the membranes surrounding the ovum, by which nutrition is assisted and the entrance of the spermatozoa permitted.

ich have for their fruit large, pot-shaped, woody capsules containing delicious nuts, and opening almost explosively by a circular lid at the top. Vases and pots are made of this capsule.

A kind of morning glory (Ipomoea Bona-nox) with large white flowers opening at night.

lar structure, with distinct stem and simple leaves. The fruit is a small capsule usually opening by an apical lid, and so discharging the spores. There are many species, collectively termed Musci, growing on the earth, on rocks, and trunks of trees, etc., and a few in running water.