respiratory tract

noun

plural respiratory tracts
: a system of organs functioning in respiration and in humans consisting especially of the nose, nasal passages, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs : respiratory system see lower respiratory tract, upper respiratory tract

Examples of respiratory tract 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.
The Pope had been hospitalized for five weeks beginning in February for treatment of a respiratory tract infection. Greg Evans, Deadline, 21 Apr. 2025 The virus infects the respiratory tract and then spreads throughout the body, which, according to the World Health Organization, can lead to symptoms like high fever, cough, runny nose and a rash covering the body. Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 15 Apr. 2025 But authorities have determined the teenager didn't die from asphyxiation because his respiratory tract was clear, officials with the Costa Rican National Police told ABC News. Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 27 Mar. 2025 Doctors first diagnosed the complex viral, bacterial and fungal respiratory tract infection and subsequently the onset of pneumonia in both lungs. Landon Mion, Fox News, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for respiratory tract

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of respiratory tract was in 1842

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Cite this Entry

“Respiratory tract.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respiratory%20tract. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

Medical Definition

respiratory tract

noun
: a system of organs functioning in respiration and in humans consisting especially of the nose, nasal passages, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs : respiratory system see lower respiratory tract, upper respiratory tract
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