tracheostomy

noun

tra·​che·​os·​to·​my ˌtrā-kē-ˈä-stə-mē How to pronounce tracheostomy (audio)
plural tracheostomies
: the surgical formation of an opening into the trachea through the neck especially to allow the passage of air

Examples of tracheostomy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Further, children with TCS may need a hole cut into their windpipe with a breathing tube inserted (called a tracheostomy) and may need special hearing aids that transmit sound through bone tissue. Amanda MacMillan, Health, 9 Aug. 2023 Today, the 2-year-old breathes with the aid of a tracheostomy and ventilator as a result of a brain injury. Ashley R. Williams, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2023 The pens were evaluated for dimensions, speed of construction of a temporary tracheostomy tube and airway resistance with differing flow rates. Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 30 May 2014 Tanner needed oxygen as well, and Listo underwent an emergency tracheostomy because his throat was closing. Pam McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 22 Aug. 2022 Contrary to popular belief, the majority of ballpoint pens appear unsuitable for use as a substitute tracheostomy tube. Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 30 May 2014 At 2 months old, his doctors inserted a permanent tracheostomy tube. Cheri Lucas Rowlands, Longreads, 10 Jan. 2023 Jordan now relies on a tracheostomy tube to breathe and can only communicate by typing. Johnny Dodd, Peoplemag, 21 Oct. 2022 Radiation and a tracheostomy have left his voice almost inaudible. Kaiser Health News, oregonlive, 10 Aug. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tracheostomy.' 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

circa 1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tracheostomy was circa 1923

Dictionary Entries Near tracheostomy

Cite this Entry

“Tracheostomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tracheostomy. Accessed 23 Sep. 2023.

Medical Definition

tracheostomy

noun
tra·​che·​os·​to·​my ˌtrā-kē-ˈäst-ə-mē How to pronounce tracheostomy (audio)
plural tracheostomies
: the surgical formation of an opening into the trachea through the neck especially to allow the passage of air
also : the opening itself

More from Merriam-Webster on tracheostomy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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