air passage

noun

plural air passages
: a channel or part through which air passes
It takes an extra shot of fuel right into the carburetor air passage to give an engine a burst of power when the accelerator pedal is depressed quickly.Popular Science
specifically : an anatomical part (such as the pharynx and bronchial tubes) involved in respiration
Pertussis is a bacterial infection of the air passages leading to the lungs … Jane E. Brody
While asthma was once defined purely as intermittent, reversible spasms of the air passages in the lungs, its underlying cause is now known to be chronic inflammation of those airways … Judy Packer-Tursman

Word History

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of air passage was in 1771

Dictionary Entries Near air passage

Cite this Entry

“Air passage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/air%20passage. Accessed 31 Mar. 2023.

Medical Definition

air passage

noun
: a channel or part through which air passes
specifically : an anatomical part (such as the pharynx and bronchial tubes) involved in respiration
Pertussis is a bacterial infection of the air passages leading to the lungs … Jane E. Brody, The New York Times
While asthma was once defined purely as intermittent, reversible spasms of the air passages in the lungs, its underlying cause is now known to be chronic inflammation of those airways … Judy Packer-Tursman, The Washington Post
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