endotracheal tube

noun

plural endotracheal tubes

: a small, usually plastic tube inserted into the trachea through the mouth or nose to maintain an unobstructed passageway especially to deliver oxygen or anesthesia to the lungs

The endotracheal tube is connected to a ventilator, which controls the patient's breathing throughout the operation and delivers oxygen to the lungs.

—Elizabeth G. Douglas

called also breathing tube

Examples of endotracheal tube in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The lawsuit accused Rhymer-Anderson of incorrectly administering anesthesia, failing to properly supervise a nurse assisting and failing to secure an airway by endotracheal tube. —Patrick Rucker, ProPublica, 15 Dec. 2023

The man who got hurt was in bed and had an endotracheal tube in his throat. —Sahana Jayaraman, AZCentral.com, 27 June 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

endotracheal tube

noun

: a small, usually plastic tube inserted into the trachea through the mouth or nose to maintain an unobstructed passageway especially to deliver oxygen or anesthesia to the lungs

called also breathing tube