upper respiratory tract

noun

plural upper respiratory tracts
: the part of the respiratory tract including the nose, nasal passages, pharynx, and larynx compare lower respiratory tract

Examples of upper respiratory tract 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.
Also, croup causes swelling of the voice box and the windpipe, which are part of the upper respiratory tract. Ashley Abramson, Health, 9 Mar. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of upper respiratory tract was in 1882

Dictionary Entries Near upper respiratory tract

Cite this Entry

“Upper respiratory tract.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upper%20respiratory%20tract. Accessed 18 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

upper respiratory tract

noun
: the part of the respiratory tract including the nose, nasal passages, pharynx, and larynx compare lower respiratory tract
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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