Esophagus Meaning and Definition
Esophagus
Pronunciation
/ˈɛsəfəgəs/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A muscular tube that carries food and liquids from the throat to the stomach, contracting in a wavelike manner to facilitate swallowing.
Examples
- The doctor examined the patient’s esophagus to diagnose the cause of their swallowing difficulty.
- The esophagus is a vital part of the digestive system, serving as a passage for food and liquids to enter the stomach.
Synonyms
- Oesophagus
- Gullet
Antonyms
- Larynx
- Stomach
Additional Information
The esophagus is a muscular tube that uses peristalsis to move food and liquids through the digestive system. It is lined with mucous membranes and has a ring-like muscle called the esophageal sphincter that separates it from the stomach.
The esophagus is susceptible to various conditions and diseases, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophageal cancer, and achalasia, which can cause symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and chest pain.
Etymology
The word “esophagus” comes from the Greek words “eso” meaning “within” and “phagus” meaning “eater”.
Usage Notes
The term “esophagus” is often used in medical contexts, but it can also be used in everyday language to refer to the digestive system or swallowing difficulties.
Cultural References
The esophagus has been featured in various works of fiction, including the TV show “House” and the movie “The Beach”.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Esophagus” is not typically used in idiomatic expressions or phrases, but it may be used figuratively to refer to the swallowing of something difficult or unpleasant.
Related Words or Phrases
Related words and phrases include “swallow”, “throat”, “mouth”, and “stomach”.
Collocations
Common collocations with the word “esophagus” include “examine the esophagus”, “diagnose esophageal disease”, and “treat esophageal conditions”.
Frequency of Use
The term “esophagus” is relatively uncommon in everyday language, but it is widely used in medical contexts and among health professionals.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of “esophagus” include “esophagus”, “oesophagus”, and “esofagus”.