Sphenoid

a. [Fr. sphénoïde, sphénoïdal, from Gr. σφήν, σφηνός, a wedge, and εἶδος, likeness.] Resembling a wedge.

Sphenoid bone (Anat.), an irregularly shaped bone situated at the base of the skull on the median line;—called also pterygoid bone.

☞ Sphenoid, abbreviated to spheno, is sometimes prefixed to the names of the bones or parts adjacent to the sphenoid bone, the compound having the signification of pertaining or belonging both to the sphenoid bone and to the part signified by the other constituent of the compound; as, spheno-maxillary, relating or belonging to the sphenoid and maxillary bones; spheno-palatine, spheno-parietal, spheno-temporal, and the like.