meatus

noun

me·​a·​tus mē-ˈā-təs How to pronounce meatus (audio)
plural meatuses mē-ˈā-tə-səz How to pronounce meatus (audio) or meatus mē-ˈā-təs How to pronounce meatus (audio)
-ˌtüs
: a natural body passage

Examples of meatus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There must be a compelling reason to want to wedge another person’s waxy nub into your external auditory meatus. Lauren Goode, Wired, 13 Aug. 2021 Results showed that women considered the position and shape of the meatus as the least important penile aspect. Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 23 June 2017

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Latin, going, passage, from meare to go — more at permeate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of meatus was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Meatus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meatus. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

meatus

noun
me·​atus mē-ˈāt-əs How to pronounce meatus (audio)
plural meatuses -ə-səz How to pronounce meatus (audio) or meatus -ˈāt-əs, -ˈā-ˌtüs How to pronounce meatus (audio)
: a natural body passage : canal, duct
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