foramen

noun

fo·​ra·​men fə-ˈrā-mən How to pronounce foramen (audio)
plural foramina fə-ˈra-mə-nə How to pronounce foramen (audio) or foramens fə-ˈrā-mənz How to pronounce foramen (audio)
: a small opening, perforation, or orifice : fenestra
foraminal
fə-ˈra-mə-nᵊl How to pronounce foramen (audio)
adjective
or foraminous
fə-ˈra-mə-nəs How to pronounce foramen (audio)

Examples of foramen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One such trait is the form of an opening on the tongue side of the lower jaw (mandible) called the mandibular foramen. — David W. Frayer, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2022 This posture maximizes the narrowing of the nerve-root opening, known as a foramen. — H Lee Kagan, Discover Magazine, 2 Apr. 2015 Another view of the monitor lizard skull fossil fragment, on which both the parietal and pineal foramina are visible (in yellow). — Amina Khan, latimes.com, 3 Apr. 2018

Word History

Etymology

Latin foramin-, foramen, from forare to bore — more at bore

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of foramen was in 1672

Phrases Containing foramen

Rhymes for foramen

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Browse Nearby Words

foram
foramen
foramen magnum
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Cite this Entry

“Foramen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foramen. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on foramen

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about foramen

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