Airway
/ˈɛrweɪ/
nounIntermediateCommonGeneral
Meaning
Questions
Definitions
1
A passage through which air can pass; especially, the passage from the nose and mouth to the lungs.
/ˈɛrweɪ/
nounneutralIntermediate
General
Passage for air
A blocked airway can be life-threatening.
💡 Simply: The route air travels when you breathe.
More Examples
2
The surgeon carefully cleared the airway.
How It's Used
Medical
"The doctor checked the patient's airway for any obstructions."
Aviation
"The pilot reported clear airways ahead."
From Old English *æyrweg, from æyr "air" + weg "way". The modern meaning related to respiratory systems developed later.
While the word's components have ancient roots, its specific medical application became prevalent in the 20th century with advancements in respiratory medicine.
Memory tip
Air + way = Airway (the path air takes)
Practice
airwyair wayairwae
Usage
40%Spoken
60%Written