Oral

The word oral comes from the Latin word meaning 'mouth' (os, oris). It refers, when we are talking about language, to what is spoken. In academic life, an oral examination tests a student's ability to hold a conversation, usually in a foreign language. In the wider world, it can also mean a visit to the dentist.

See also:

• Oral - aural for a common problem of pronunciation with the word oral
• Oral - verbal for a confusion of meaning.