-fauces-

‖n. pl. [ L. ] 1. (Anat.) The narrow passage from the mouth to the pharynx, situated between the soft palate and the base of the tongue; -- called also the isthmus of the fauces. On either side of the passage two membranous folds, called the pillars of the fauces, inclose the tonsils. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Bot.) The throat of a calyx, corolla, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Zool.) That portion of the interior of a spiral shell which can be seen by looking into the aperture. [ 1913 Webster ]