Pronunciation: [mˈiːtə͡l] (IPA) 
The word "meatal" is spelled with one "e" and two "a"s, despite the fact that it is pronounced with a long "e" sound instead of a short one. This is due to the addition of the suffix "-al," which changes the pronunciation of the word. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled as /ˈmiːtəl/. So, next time you come across the word "meatal," remember to pronounce it with a long "e" sound!
Meatal is an adjective that refers to something pertaining to or being related to the meatus, which is an opening or passageway in the body. The term is commonly used in medical and anatomical contexts to describe specific structures or conditions associated with these narrow openings or canals.
In the context of the human body, the meatus specifically refers to various small openings or canals, such as the external opening of the urethra in males (called urethral meatus) or the opening of the ear canal (called auditory meatus). Thus, when used to describe a specific body part or structure, meatal typically indicates that it is related to one of these openings.
Additionally, meatal can also be used more broadly to describe any condition or object that shares characteristics with these openings or canals. For instance, in certain contexts, meatal may describe a narrow or slit-like shape or appearance, as seen in meatal stenosis, a condition characterized by the narrowing of the meatus.
Overall, the term meatal is utilized to convey the idea of an opening, passageway, or condition that is specifically related to one of these small canals or openings found in the human body.
Relating to a meatus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "meatal" comes from the Latin word "meatus", which means a passage, channel, or opening. In Latin, "meatus" is derived from the verb "meare", meaning to pass or go. The word "meatus" is used in anatomy to refer to various openings or passages, such as the urethral meatus (the external opening of the urethra) or the auditory meatus (the outer opening of the ear canal). "Meatal" is an adjective form of "meatus" and is used to describe anything relating to or located near these passages or openings.
