otorrinolaringología
/otorinolaɾinɡoloxia/from spelling rules
The Spanish word for otolaryngology is otorrinolaringología.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound formed from oto- (ear), rin(o)- (nose), laringo- (larynx) and -logía (the study of).
How do you pronounce it?
/otorinolaɾinɡoloxia/
Did you know?
- Because of its length, otorrinolaringología is often used by Spanish speakers as a humorous example of a 'tongue twister' or a word used to test someone's articulation.
- In everyday Spanish, patients and even some doctors rarely use the full term otorrinolaringología. Instead, they almost exclusively use the shortened form otorrino to refer to both the specialty and the doctor themselves.
- The root rin in otorrinolaringología comes from the Greek 'rhis', which is also the ancestor of the English word 'rhinoplasty'.
Examples in context
- Mi hermana está estudiando otorrinolaringología en la universidad.My sister is studying otolaryngology in college.
- El doctor es especialista en otorrinolaringología y cirugía de cabeza y cuello.The doctor is a specialist in otolaryngology and head and neck surgery.
- Voy a hacer una consulta con el especialista en ORL para ver qué ocurre con mi garganta.I'm going to have a consultation with the ENT specialist to see what's going on with my throat.
- Ella estudia otorrinolaringología en la universidad.She studies otolaryngology at the university.
- La otorrinolaringología es una especialidad médica compleja.Otolaryngology is a complex medical specialty.
- Tengo una cita en el departamento de otorrinolaringología.I have an appointment in the otolaryngology department.
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are discussing medical careers at a cafe.
- Daniel¿Qué especialidad te interesa más, Lucía?Which specialty interests you more, Lucía?
- LucíaMe apasiona la otorrinolaringología.I am passionate about otolaryngology.
- DanielEs una carrera muy difícil pero muy útil.It is a very difficult but very useful career.
- LucíaSí, Daniel, es un campo fascinante.Yes, Daniel, it is a fascinating field.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries otorrinolaringología, CC BY-SA 4.0.
