endotracheal tube

noun

plural endotracheal tubes
: a small, usually plastic tube inserted into the trachea through the mouth or nose to maintain an unobstructed passageway especially to deliver oxygen or anesthesia to the lungs
The endotracheal tube is connected to a ventilator, which controls the patient's breathing throughout the operation and delivers oxygen to the lungs.Elizabeth G. Douglas

called also breathing tube

Examples of endotracheal tube in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The lawsuit accused Rhymer-Anderson of incorrectly administering anesthesia, failing to properly supervise a nurse assisting and failing to secure an airway by endotracheal tube. Patrick Rucker, ProPublica, 15 Dec. 2023 The man who got hurt was in bed and had an endotracheal tube in his throat. Sahana Jayaraman, AZCentral.com, 27 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'endotracheal tube.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of endotracheal tube was in 1932

Dictionary Entries Near endotracheal tube

Cite this Entry

“Endotracheal tube.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/endotracheal%20tube. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

endotracheal tube

noun
: a small, usually plastic tube inserted into the trachea through the mouth or nose to maintain an unobstructed passageway especially to deliver oxygen or anesthesia to the lungs

called also breathing tube

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