respiratory tract

noun

plural respiratory tracts
: the respiratory system especially with regard to its form as a continuous passage for moving air into and out of the lungs 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.
These pathogens can sicken swimmers with diseases of the skin, eyes, ears, and respiratory tract. — Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 19 June 2026 Measles first infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body, causing a high fever, runny nose, cough, red, watery eyes, and a rash. — Dan Raby, CBS News, 19 May 2026 Only about a third of clinical cases come from blood; the rest are found in urine, wounds and the respiratory tract, where the fungus is often colonizing rather than invading. — John Drake, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Zinc and vitamin D also work together to strengthen physical barriers, such as the skin and the membranes of the respiratory tract, preventing germs from entering the body. — Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 12 May 2026 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

Rhymes for respiratory tract

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Browse Nearby Words

respiratory system
respiratory tract
respiratory trumpet
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Cite this Entry

“Respiratory tract.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respiratory%20tract. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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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