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Glite Dictionary
cartilaginous tube

cartilaginous tube

8.0
A tube in the body with walls of cartilage, like the trachea or ear canal
  • noun
  • /ˌkɑrtɪˈlædʒɪnəs tuːb/
  • Specialized
translation icon : tubo cartilaginoso
  • The trachea is a cartilaginous tube that connects the larynx to the lungs.

Examples

  • The external auditory canal is partially formed by a cartilaginous tube.

  • In humans, the cartilaginous tubes help maintain airflow.

  • In fish, the gills are supported by a cartilaginous tube structure.

  • The cartilaginous tube supports the structure of the trachea.

  • The trachea is a cartilaginous tube that connects the larynx to the lungs.

  • The external auditory canal is partially formed by a cartilaginous tube.

  • In humans, the cartilaginous tube helps maintain airflow.

Synonyms

trachea
vscartilaginous tube
  • Specialized
14 4.6

The tube in the throat with rings that carries air to the lungs

is a general body channel with firm flexible walls found in different parts
trach
vscartilaginous tube
  • Jargon
9.6

The tube in the throat that carries air to the lungs

is a general body channel rather than just that single throat tube

Surface Forms

cartilaginous tube singular
cartilaginous tubes plural

Morphology

cartilaginous + tube

The phrase 'cartilaginous tube' literally combines 'cartilaginous' (made of cartilage) with 'tube' (a hollow cylinder), so its meaning — a tube whose walls are composed of cartilage — is directly inferable from the constituents. This adjective + noun composition follows a standard, cross-linguistic compositional pattern, making it immediately understandable to a B1 learner who knows both words.

Etymology

The noun cartilaginous tube names a body tube whose walls are made of cartilage, the firm but bendy tissue in the nose and ear. So a cartilaginous tube means a 'passage' like the 'windpipe' or part of the 'ear canal' that stays open because of that cartilage.