Orifice Meaning
/ˈɒɹɪfɪs/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA mouth or aperture, such as of a tube, pipe, etc.; an opening.
nounOne of the natural external openings of the human or animal body.
Sentence Examples
Keep sand out of every orifice.
Make sure every orifice is covered before you enter the sandstorm.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The mechanic inserted the tool into the small ____ to release the pressure.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The surgeon carefully examined the ____ to determine the extent of the internal damage.
Word Origin & History
From Middle French, from Old French, from Late Latin ōrificium (“an opening, literally the making of a mouth”), compound of ōs (“mouth”) + faciō (“to make”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"As none of the ovicells were observed to be closed by the operculum, presumably because they were empty and the opercula were resting on the primary orifice rim, the ovicell closure type is subcleithral rather than cleithral [51 ], at least in some species of the genus."
— 2015 October 22, “Diversity and Systematics of Schizomavella Species (Bryozoa: Bitectiporidae) from the Bathyal NE Atlantic”, in PLOS ONE, →DOI:
"The maw-worm could emerge unexpectedly from any orifice, including, most alarmingly, the corner of people's eyes."
— 1999, Robert Lacey, Danny Danziger, The Year 1000: What life was like at the turn of The First Millennium, London: Abacus, published 2000, page 121:
"For example, cultures that scorn open orifices of all kinds despise uninfibulated female genitals too[…]"
— 2004, Diana T. Meyers, Being Yourself: Essays on Identity, Action, and Social Life, page 86:
"“Peanuts aren't nuts, you orifice. They're legumes.”"
— 2016, Niels Saunders, Mervyn Vs. Dennis:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The mechanic inserted the tool into the small ____ to release the pressure.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The surgeon carefully examined the ____ to determine the extent of the internal damage.