Definition of Base of tongue Base of tongue: The back third of
the tongue. In contrast to the anterior tongue, which is the
front two-thirds of the tongue. The distinction between the
anterior and base of the tongue reflects the fact that they are
of different embryological origin. The distinction also matters
as regards cancer. See: Tongue cancer. Last Editorial Review:
10/9/2012 Back to MedTerms online medical dictionary A-Z List
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