eustachian tube

noun

eu·​sta·​chian tube yü-ˈstā-sh(ē-)ən- 

 also  -ˈstā-kē-ən-

often capitalized E

: a bony and cartilaginous tube connecting the middle ear with the nasopharynx and equalizing air pressure on both sides of the tympanic membrane

called also auditory tube

see ear illustration

Examples of eustachian tube in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This approach also prevented any damage to the eustachian tube, major blood vessels such as the jugular vein and internal carotid artery, and nerves that control swallowing and speech, Labib noted. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2025

The ear is connected to the back of the throat and nasal cavity through the eustachian tube, so decreasing inflammation in that area will lower the risk of getting fluid behind your ear. —Andrea Muraskin, NPR, 19 Apr. 2025

Some people can even voluntarily control their tensor tympani, a muscle in the ear that can open up the eustachian tubes. —Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 25 Nov. 2023

The eustachian tube connects the back of your nose to your middle ear. —Health Editorial Team, Health, 10 Nov. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Bartolommeo Eustachio

First Known Use

1741, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for eustachian tube

• boob
• cube
• lube
• rube
• hypercube
• nanotube
• phototube

Kids Definition

eustachian tube

noun

eu·​sta·​chian tube yu̇-ˌstā-sh(ē)ən- 

-ˌstā-kē-ən-

often capitalized E

: a tube connecting the middle ear with the upper pharynx and equalizing air pressure on both sides of the eardrum

Medical Definition

eustachian tube

noun

often capitalized E

: a bony and cartilaginous tube connecting the middle ear with the nasopharynx and equalizing air pressure on both sides of the tympanic membrane

called also auditory tube, pharyngotympanic tube