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Airway Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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airway

[ˈɛːweɪ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical

A passage by which air reaches the lungs.

Synonyms

channel, duct, passage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
airway

It refers to the path that air follows to reach the lungs, either in medicine or for airplanes.

  • The doctor cleared the patient's airway to help them breathe.
  • The pilot requested a clear airway for landing.
passage

It denotes a physical path or corridor, or a section of text, music, or speech.

  • They walked through a narrow passage between the buildings.
  • She found a passage in the book that she wanted to quote.
duct

It typically refers to a tube or passage in a building or living organism for carrying air, liquid, or other substances.

  • The air conditioning system uses ducts to circulate cool air.
  • Saliva flows from the salivary glands through ducts into the mouth.
channel

It can describe a natural or artificial path for water or other fluids or a means of communication or distribution.

  • The river channel was deepened to prevent flooding.
  • She watched her favorite show on a different TV channel.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor inserted a tube into the patient's airway to help him breathe.
  • In case of emergency, make sure the person's airway is clear.
Context #2 | Noun

aviation

A designated route in the sky that aircraft follow.

Synonyms

corridor, flight path, route.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
airway

Refers to a specific path designated for aircraft to follow in the sky, often used by air traffic controllers and pilots.

  • The plane had to divert from its original airway due to bad weather.
  • Air traffic control cleared the aircraft to enter the airway.
flight path

Specifies the actual path that an aircraft takes through the sky, either planned or as it happens during flight.

  • The flight path took them directly over the famous landmark.
  • The pilots had to adjust their flight path due to turbulence.
route

Defines a planned path or direction for travel, can be used in various modes of transportation including aviation, driving, and hiking.

  • The GPS calculated the fastest route home.
  • The airline established a new route between the two cities.
corridor

Generally describes a long, narrow passage inside a building or space, but in aviation, it can refer to an established flight path that aircraft can take over a particular area.

  • The students ran down the school corridor.
  • There is a designated air corridor for military flights.

Examples of usage

  • The pilot requested clearance to enter the airway for their flight.
  • The air traffic controller directed the plane to stay within the assigned airway.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Anatomy

  • The airway includes the nose, mouth, throat, and the windpipe, which all help direct air into the lungs.
  • The respiratory system's structure ensures that air can travel easily, with tiny hairs in the nose filtering out dust and particles.
  • Airways can become blocked due to allergies, infection, or other conditions, which can make it hard to breathe.

Medical Science

  • In medicine, maintaining a clear airway is critical during emergencies, as it ensures oxygen can reach the lungs.
  • Tracheostomy is a procedure where a hole is made in the neck to create a new airway, often used for people who cannot breathe normally.
  • Devices like CPAP machines help keep airways open during sleep to assist people with sleep apnea.

Environmental Science

  • Airway health can be affected by pollution, which can lead to increased respiratory issues for people living in cities.
  • Climate change has an impact on air quality, which is crucial for maintaining healthy airways in populations worldwide.
  • The study of airways isn't just about human health; it's also important for understanding animal biology and conservation.

Cultural References

  • In popular media, characters in action movies often face airway emergencies, emphasizing the drama of life-or-death situations.
  • Airway health awareness campaigns use strong visuals and narratives to educate the public about the importance of clean air.
  • Songs and literature often metaphorically reference airways to discuss freedom, movement, and life's breath.

Technology

  • Modern technology has developed smart inhalers that help patients manage airway conditions by tracking medication use.
  • Biotechnology is researching ways to repair or enhance airway function, especially for those with chronic respiratory diseases.
  • Drone technology is under investigation for delivering emergency supplies quickly, aiming to assist in airway emergencies in remote areas.

Origin of 'airway'

The word 'airway' originated in the early 19th century, combining 'air' and 'way'. It has been used in the medical field to describe the passage for air to reach the lungs since the mid-1800s. In aviation, 'airway' refers to the designated routes in the sky that aircraft follow, a concept that was developed in the early 20th century to streamline air traffic control.

See also: air, airborne, aircraft, airdrop, airfield, airflow, airfoil, airiness, airing, airline, airman, airplane, airs, airship, airspace, airstrike, airstrip, airtight, airy.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,243, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.