orifice
UK: /ˈɒr.ɪ.fɪs/ | US: /ˈɔːr.ə.fɪs/
n. an opening or hole, especially one in the body or a container
The word "orifice" originates from Latin orificium, combining ōs (meaning "mouth" or "opening") and facere (meaning "to make" or "to do"). The term evolved in Middle English via Old French, retaining its core meaning of a constructed or natural opening. The morpheme ori- preserves the concept of an entrance or aperture, while -fice reflects the action or formation of such an opening.
The dentist examined the orifice of the tooth for signs of decay.
A small orifice in the lid allows steam to escape during cooking.
The spacecraft’s fuel tank had a sealed orifice to prevent leaks.
The microscope revealed tiny orifices in the plant’s leaves.
Engineers designed the valve with a precisely calibrated orifice.