oral Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an examination conducted by spoken communication
    viva; oral examination; viva voce; oral exam.
  2. adjective satellite using speech rather than writing
    unwritten.
    • an oral tradition
    • an oral agreement
  3. adjective of or relating to or affecting or for use in the mouth
    • oral hygiene
    • an oral thermometer
    • an oral vaccine
  4. adjective of or involving the mouth or mouth region or the surface on which the mouth is located
    • the oral cavity
    • the oral mucous membrane
    • the oral surface of a starfish
  5. adjective a stage in psychosexual development when the child's interest is concentrated in the mouth; fixation at this stage is said to result in dependence, selfishness, and aggression

WordNet

O"ral adjective
Etymology
L. os, oris, the mouth, akin to Skr. as. Cf. Adore, Orison, Usher.
Definitions
  1. Uttered by the mouth, or in words; spoken, not written; verbal; as, oral traditions; oral testimony; oral law.
  2. Of or pertaining to the mouth; surrounding or lining the mouth; as, oral cilia or cirri.

Webster 1913