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Windpipe: meaning, definitions and examples

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windpipe

[ ˈwɪndpaɪp ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

anatomy

The windpipe, also known as the trachea, is a tube that connects the larynx to the bronchi and allows air to pass to and from the lungs. It is made up of cartilage rings and lined with ciliated epithelium that helps to trap particles and keep the airway clear.

Synonyms

airway, breathing tube, trachea.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
windpipe	Informal context, talking with children, or in general conversation to describe the tube that takes air to the lungs. He got a piece of food stuck in his windpipe. She felt a slight pain in her windpipe.
trachea	Scientific or medical contexts where a precise anatomical term is needed. The inflammation of the trachea is a condition known as tracheitis. Doctors needed to examine his trachea to determine the cause of his breathing problems.
breathing tube	Used in medical settings, especially when talking about the equipment used to assist breathing or the natural air passage. The surgeon inserted a breathing tube to help her breathe during the operation. A blockage in the breathing tube can be very dangerous.
airway	Medical or emergency situations to describe the path air follows to get to the lungs. Can also be used when talking about ensuring someone can breathe. The paramedics worked quickly to clear the man's airway. He was trained to manage blocked airways in an emergency.

Examples of usage

The doctor used a stethoscope to listen to the sounds of air moving through the windpipe.
When you swallow, the epiglottis covers the windpipe to prevent food from entering the lungs.

Translations

Translations of the word "windpipe" in other languages:

🇵🇹 traqueia

🇮🇳 स्वास नली

🇩🇪 Luftröhre

🇮🇩 tenggorokan

🇺🇦 трахея

🇵🇱 tchawica

🇯🇵 気管

🇫🇷 trachée

🇪🇸 tráquea

🇹🇷 nefes borusu

🇰🇷 기관

🇸🇦 قصبة هوائية

🇨🇿 průdušnice

🇸🇰 priedušnica

🇨🇳 气管

🇸🇮 sapnik

🇮🇸 barkakýli

🇰🇿 кеңірдек

🇬🇪 ტრაქეა

🇦🇿 nəfəs borusu

🇲🇽 tráquea

Etymology

The word 'windpipe' originated in the early 18th century, derived from the combination of 'wind' (referring to breath or air) and 'pipe' (referring to a tube or conduit). The term 'trachea' has its roots in Ancient Greek, where 'trakhéis' meant rough or harsh. The windpipe has been a crucial part of human anatomy since ancient times, with early civilizations recognizing its importance in breathing and vocalization.