Vance Township, IL Homefacts Overview of Vermilion County includes data on offenders, schools, foreclosures, environmental hazards, and more. Toggle navigation Log In
Definition of 'tongue depressor'. tongue depressor (tÊÅ dÉªprÉsÉr ) Word forms: tongue depressors. countable noun. A tongue depressor is a medical instrument that is used to press a patient's tongue down so that their mouth or throat can be examined more easily. [medicine] Dr. Avery took the tongue depressor out of Rae's mouth.
The tongue is a muscular hydrostat on the floor of the mouth of most vertebrates that manipulates food for mastication. It is the primary organ of taste (gustation), as much of its upper surface is covered in taste buds. The tongue's upper surface is also covered in numerous lingual papillae. It is sensitive and kept moist by saliva, and is richly supplied with nerves and blood vessels.