airway
word
Definition
A passage through which air flows, especially in the body (like the windpipe or bronchial tubes), or sometimes used for routes for airplanes.
Usage & Nuances
Used mainly in medical contexts to talk about parts of the respiratory system ('upper airway', 'clear the airway'). In aviation, rarely used outside technical or formal speech. Do not confuse 'airway' with 'airline' (company) or 'airport' (place). Common collocations: 'blocked airway', 'open airway', 'maintain airway'.
Example Sentences
The doctor checked if the patient's airway was clear.
basic
He learned first aid so he could keep someone's airway open in an emergency.
natural
When treating asthma, doctors focus on relaxing the muscles around the airways.
natural
Choking can block the airway and stop you from breathing.
basic
Smoke can irritate the airways in your lungs.
basic
Some pilots use special charts to follow the right airway between cities.
natural