eustachian tube

noun

eu·​sta·​chian tube yü-ˈstā-sh(ē-)ən- How to pronounce eustachian tube (audio)
 also  -ˈstā-kē-ən-
often capitalized E
: a bony and cartilaginous tube connecting the middle ear with the nasopharynx and equalizing air pressure on both sides of the tympanic membrane

called also auditory tube

see ear illustration

Examples of eustachian tube 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.
People with smaller eustachian tubes, such as infants and young children, may also have trouble equalizing their ears. Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 25 Nov. 2023 Pinching your nose might guide that pressure through the eustachian tube and into your middle ear. Health Editorial Team, Health, 10 Nov. 2023 Some people can even voluntarily control their tensor tympani, a muscle in the ear that can open up the eustachian tubes. Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 25 Nov. 2023 The eustachian tube connects the back of your nose to your middle ear. Health Editorial Team, Health, 10 Nov. 2023 The throat can send fluid into the eustachian tube, which connects the ears and the throat.7 The tube can then get clogged and interfere with the ears' ability to drain fluid, ultimately causing an earache. Ashley Abramson, Health, 6 Aug. 2023 The action of creating pressure in the back of the nose can open the eustachian tube and equalize the pressure. Elizabeth Preske, Travel + Leisure, 28 Mar. 2023 Olive Oil or Hydrogen Peroxide This technique serves to open up your eustachian tubes by softening and removing your earwax. Elizabeth Preske, Travel + Leisure, 28 Mar. 2023 There are several reason why a eustachian tube may not work properly. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 7 Mar. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Bartolommeo Eustachio

First Known Use

1741, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of eustachian tube was in 1741

Dictionary Entries Near eustachian tube

Cite this Entry

“Eustachian tube.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eustachian%20tube. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

eustachian tube

noun
eu·​sta·​chian tube yu̇-ˌstā-sh(ē)ən- How to pronounce eustachian tube (audio)
-ˌstā-kē-ən-
often capitalized E
: a tube connecting the middle ear with the upper pharynx and equalizing air pressure on both sides of the eardrum

Medical Definition

eustachian tube

noun
often capitalized E
: a bony and cartilaginous tube connecting the middle ear with the nasopharynx and equalizing air pressure on both sides of the tympanic membrane

called also auditory tube, pharyngotympanic tube

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