Throat Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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throat

[ฮธrษ™สŠt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

anatomy

The passage from the back of the mouth to the stomach and lungs, which is used for breathing, swallowing, and speaking. It is composed of muscles, cartilage, and mucous membrane.

Synonyms

esophagus, gullet, windpipe.

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Word Description / Examples
throat

Commonly used in everyday conversation to refer to the front part of the neck inside the body, particularly when talking about swallowing, speaking, or feeling sick.

  • My throat is sore, I think I'm getting a cold.
  • She cleared her throat before giving the speech.
gullet

An older or less common term for the esophagus, often used in literature or historical texts. May sound slightly archaic.

  • The knights ate heartily, filling their gullets with food and drink.
  • In the tale, the dragon's gullet was described as a dark, cavernous place.
windpipe

Refers to the trachea, the airway through which air passes from the throat to the lungs. Often used in a medical context but can also be heard in everyday language.

  • He choked on a piece of food and it got stuck in his windpipe.
  • The doctor checked his windpipe to ensure there was no obstruction.
esophagus

Used in medical or scientific contexts to describe the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach, primarily involved in the digestive process.

  • The doctor explained that food passes through the esophagus to reach the stomach.
  • Esophageal cancer can be very serious if not diagnosed early.

Examples of usage

  • The sore throat made it difficult to swallow.
  • I have a frog in my throat and can't speak properly.
Context #2 | Noun

figurative

The front part of a person's neck, considered as the place where emotions are felt, especially love and sadness.

Synonyms

collar, gorge, neck.

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Word Description / Examples
throat

The part of the body inside the neck that is used for swallowing, breathing, and speaking.

  • She felt a tickle in her throat before she started to cough.
  • He had a sore throat and couldn't speak clearly.
neck

The part of the body that connects the head to the shoulders, often referred to in terms of vulnerability, style, or proximity.

  • He wore a scarf around his neck to stay warm.
  • The doctor examined her neck for signs of swelling.
collar

A part of a piece of clothing that forms a circle around the neck, or a band of leather or other material worn around an animal's neck.

  • The dog wore a collar with an ID tag.
  • His shirt collar was turned up to protect him from the cold wind.
gorge

A narrow valley between hills or mountains, typically with steep rocky walls and a stream running through it. It can also be used figuratively to describe something overwhelming or excessive, often in a negative sense.

  • They hiked through the gorge to reach the waterfall.
  • She felt her gorge rise at the thought of eating spoiled food.

Examples of usage

  • My throat tightened with emotion as I listened to the touching story.
  • She had a lump in her throat when she saw him for the first time.
Context #3 | Noun

slang

To kill or severely injure someone by cutting or shooting them in the throat.

Synonyms

assassinate, kill, murder.

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Word Description / Examples
throat

Used in anatomy and medical contexts to refer to the part of the body inside the neck that includes the pharynx and larynx, or in a more casual context to describe a sore or painful sensation in that area.

  • My throat hurts when I swallow.
  • The doctor examined my throat to check for infection.
kill

A general term for causing the death of a living being, without specifying the method or reason. The context can be neutral, but it can also have a negative connotation depending on the situation.

  • The lion killed its prey swiftly.
  • They were trying to figure out who killed the victim.
murder

Used to describe the unlawful and intentional killing of another person. This term has a strongly negative connotation and is often associated with criminal activity.

  • He was arrested for the murder of his neighbor.
  • The investigation revealed a plan to murder the victim.
assassinate

Used to describe the act of killing a prominent or important person, usually for political or ideological reasons. This term carries a connotation of secrecy and premeditation.

  • The president was assassinated while giving a public speech.
  • There were rumors of a plot to assassinate the leader.

Examples of usage

  • The assassin silently slit the victim's throat.
  • He threatened to slit my throat if I didn't give him the money.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Anatomy

  • The throat includes important structures such as the larynx, which helps create sound when we talk.
  • It plays a crucial role in swallowing, helping food and liquids pass from the mouth to the esophagus.
  • The pharynx, often called the throat, is divided into three parts: nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.

Cultural References

  • In literature, the throat is often symbolically linked to voice and expression, representing one's ability to speak out or communicate.
  • In some cultures, the act of singing is highly revered, showing the importance of the throat in artistic expression.
  • The phrase 'to speak from the throat' is used to describe someone who is expressing genuine emotion or conviction.

Health

  • Throat infections, like strep throat, are common and can cause pain and difficulty swallowing.
  • Hydration is key for maintaining throat health, as dry environments can lead to irritation.
  • Vocal training and proper technique can prevent strain on the throat for singers and speakers.

History

  • Ancient Egyptians had rituals involving the throat, believing it was essential for the afterlife and well-being.
  • Many traditional healing practices have focused on the throat, emphasizing its role in health and spirituality.
  • Ancient Greek physicians did extensive studies on voice and throat function, laying groundwork for modern medicine.

Language

  • The word 'throat' comes from Old English 'รพrลat,' which also means the neck or the structure of the neck.
  • In different languages, the word for throat often has similar roots, indicating its universal importance across cultures.
  • Expressions like 'losing one's voice' relate directly to the throat, emphasizing its role in communication.

Origin of 'throat'

The word 'throat' originated from the Old English word 'รพrotu' which meant 'neck or throat'. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to specifically refer to the part of the body connecting the mouth to the stomach and lungs. The throat plays a vital role in breathing, swallowing, and speaking, making it a crucial anatomical feature for humans and many animals.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,454, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.