meatus

noun

me·​a·​tus mē-ˈā-təs How to pronounce meatus (audio)
plural meatuses mē-ˈā-tə-səz How to pronounce meatus (audio) or meatus mē-ˈā-təs How to pronounce meatus (audio)
-ˌtüs
: a natural body passage

Examples of meatus 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.
These findings may stimulate reflections regarding the relevance of surgical correction of the meatus in minor forms of hypospadias. Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 23 June 2017 Results showed that women considered the position and shape of the meatus as the least important penile aspect. Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 23 June 2017 The superglue was removed successfully, in the form of a cast, with warm three per cent hydrogen peroxide without damaging the meatus or the typanic membrane. Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 15 Aug. 2014 There must be a compelling reason to want to wedge another person’s waxy nub into your external auditory meatus. Lauren Goode, Wired, 13 Aug. 2021

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Latin, going, passage, from meare to go — more at permeate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of meatus was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near meatus

Cite this Entry

“Meatus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meatus. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

meatus

noun
me·​atus mē-ˈāt-əs How to pronounce meatus (audio)
plural meatuses -ə-səz How to pronounce meatus (audio) or meatus -ˈāt-əs, -ˈā-ˌtüs How to pronounce meatus (audio)
: a natural body passage : canal, duct
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