esophagus

noun

esoph·​a·​gus i-ˈsä-fə-gəs How to pronounce esophagus (audio)
plural esophagi i-ˈsä-fə-ˌgī How to pronounce esophagus (audio) -ˌjī How to pronounce esophagus (audio)
: a muscular tube that conveys food from the mouth to the stomach and that in humans is about nine inches (23 centimeters) long and passes from the pharynx down the neck between the trachea and the spinal column and behind the left bronchus where it pierces the diaphragm slightly to the left of the middle line and joins the cardiac end of the stomach
esophageal adjective

Examples of esophagus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
There are no incisions because the esophagus is accessed by going through the mouth. Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 21 Oct. 2024 This prevents the valve at the bottom of the esophagus from opening. Laura Schober, Health, 12 Oct. 2024 That can damage the cells lining the esophagus, prompting them to grow back with genetic mistakes. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 23 Sep. 2024 Related article Newly discovered Amazon fish species is named after ‘The Lord of the Rings’ villain for its odd pattern To escape a predator’s gut, an eel would insert its tail into the esophagus and then squirm backward. Mindy Weisberger, CNN, 13 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for esophagus 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ysophagus, from Medieval Latin ysofugus, from Greek oisophagos, from oisein to be going to carry + phagein to eat — more at baksheesh

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of esophagus was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near esophagus

Cite this Entry

“Esophagus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/esophagus. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

esophagus

noun
esoph·​a·​gus i-ˈsäf-ə-gəs How to pronounce esophagus (audio)
plural esophagi -ˌgī How to pronounce esophagus (audio)
-ˌjī
: a muscular tube that leads from the cavity behind the mouth to the stomach
esophageal adjective

Medical Definition

esophagus

noun
esoph·​a·​gus
variants or chiefly British oesophagus
plural esophagi -ˌgī How to pronounce esophagus (audio) -ˌjī How to pronounce esophagus (audio)
: a muscular tube that in adult humans is about nine inches (23 centimeters) long and passes from the pharynx down the neck between the trachea and the spinal column and behind the left bronchus where it pierces the diaphragm slightly to the left of the middle line and joins the cardiac end of the stomach

More from Merriam-Webster on esophagus

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!