Meaning & use
glabellas
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“glabellas” is a form of “glabella”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounpluraltechnical
The two small smooth raised areas of bone just above the inner ends of the eyebrows, one on each side of the forehead.
Grammar: Used as a plural noun; the matching singular form is 'glabella', which names the single flat region between the brows.
Patterns
- the glabellas are prominent
- a swelling over the glabellas
The scan showed thickened bone over both glabellas.
In some people the glabellas are noticeably raised and easy to see.
The surgeon marked the skin above the glabellas before making the first cut.
nounpluraltechnicalmedical
The pair of soft, slightly bulging patches of skin between and just above the eyebrows.
Grammar: Plural in form; takes a plural verb, as in 'the glabellas look swollen'.
Patterns
- pressure on the glabellas
- redness of the glabellas
She pressed her thumbs gently against the glabellas to check for tenderness.
Mild redness across the glabellas can be a sign of sinus trouble.
The cream is applied to the glabellas twice a day.
Word forms
| singular | glabella |
|---|
Common combinations
- prominent glabellas
- His prominent glabellas give his face a strong, heavy brow line.
- the glabellas are swollen
- After the injury, the glabellas were swollen and tender to touch.
- above the glabellas
- The scar sits just above the glabellas and is barely visible.
- pressure on the glabellas
- Headaches often bring a dull pressure on the glabellas.
- the skin over the glabellas
- The skin over the glabellas is thin and creases easily.
Synonyms and how they differ
Word family
- glabella noun
- The singular form: the flat area of bone between the eyebrows.
- glabellar adjective
- Relating to the glabella, as in 'a glabellar reflex'.
Commonly confused: glabellas or glabella?
glabellas vs glabella
The singular names one flat area between the brows, while 'glabellas' refers to the two raised points on either side of it; medical texts often use the plural for the paired bumps.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'glabellas' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Glabellas' is a plural noun for the two raised points above the inner eyebrows, so a plural verb such as 'were' fits. Option 1 is wrong because it treats the plural as singular and describes the single flat area, which is 'glabella'. Option 3 puts the word on the chin, and option 4 turns it into a field of study.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “glabellas”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.