airway

American  

[air-wey] / ˈɛərˌweɪ /

noun

1. an air route equipped with emergency landing fields, beacon lights, radio beams, etc.

2. a passageway by which air passes from the nose or mouth to the air sacs of the lungs.

3. Medicine/Medical. a tubelike device used to maintain adequate, unobstructed respiration, as during general anesthesia.

4. any passage in a mine used for purposes of ventilation; an air course.

5. airways,

   1. the band of frequencies, taken collectively, used by radio broadcasting stations.

      The news was sent out over the airways immediately.

   2. airwaves.

   3. airline.

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airway British  

/ ˈɛəˌweɪ /

noun

1. an air route, esp one that is fully equipped with emergency landing fields, navigational aids, etc

2. a passage for ventilation, esp in a mine

3. a passage down which air travels from the nose or mouth to the lungs

4. med a tubelike device inserted via the throat to keep open the airway of an unconscious patient

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Etymology

Origin of airway

First recorded in 1905–10; air ¹ + way ¹

Example Sentences

That kind of dust is known to irritate the airways making it easier for bacteria to go from harmlessly sitting there to invading the body.

From BBC

This helps lower the likelihood that the upper airway will collapse during sleep, which is the main cause of obstructive sleep apnea.

From Science Daily

Louise recalls being told that Bow's airway was swollen - Bow was given a tracheostomy and then a further operation to help her breathe more easily.

From BBC

Brief peaks of exposure to irritants such as sulfur dioxide can damage airways and even be fatal, especially for children, Nemery said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Unvaccinated mice developed a strong Th2 response and accumulated mucus in their airways.

From Science Daily