Word
orifice
Phoneticsori·fice
US/ˈɔɹəfəs/
UK/ˈɒɹɪfɪs/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a hole or opening in a body or object. In casual talk, it often refers to a specific part of the body, but this is usually considered rude.
n. an opening or aperture in a body or object. While technically neutral, the term is frequently used in vulgar or anatomical contexts to refer to specific bodily openings.
Examples
“The doctor checked the patient's nasal orifice for blockage.”
“The technician adjusted the size of the exhaust orifice to improve the engine's performance.”
“In biological terms, the organism's primary orifice serves as the central hub for both nutrient intake and waste expulsion, demonstrating a high degree of evolutionary efficiency.”
Examples
simple
“The doctor checked the patient's nasal orifice for blockage.”
contextual
“The technician adjusted the size of the exhaust orifice to improve the engine's performance.”
complex
“In biological terms, the organism's primary orifice serves as the central hub for both nutrient intake and waste expulsion, demonstrating a high degree of evolutionary efficiency.”
Real-World Examples
“Smaller works show white liquid being squeezed and pulled out of teats and orifices.” Etymology
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”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/orifice