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Glite Dictionary
nasolacrimal duct

nasolacrimal duct

7.3
A small tube that carries tears from the eye into the nose
  • noun
  • /ˌneɪzoʊˈlækrɪməl dʌkt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : conducto nasolagrimal
  • The doctor explained that the nasolacrimal duct carries tears from the eyes to the nasal cavity.
  • nasolacrimal duct obstruction
  • lacrimal duct
  • nasolacrimal duct sac

Examples

  • A blockage in the nasolacrimal duct can lead to excessive tearing or infection.

  • Dacryocystitis is an infection of the lacrimal sac that is usually caused by obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct.

    Academic text (2009)

  • Tumors of the lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct are rare.

    Academic text (2010)

  • When the nasolacrimal duct is involved, a lateral rhinotomy allows for a wider excision.

    Academic text (2010)

  • The patient was treated with a complete surgical resection of the lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct.

    Academic text (2010)

  • We describe a case of nasolacrimal duct obstruction caused by a benign tumor (an oncocytoma).

    Academic text (2010)

  • CT may show a tissue lesion of the lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct with no bony extension.

    Academic text (2010)

  • Acquired epiphora is a common condition caused by chronic inflammation and fibrosis of the lacrimal sac and/or nasolacrimal duct.

    Academic text (2010)

  • Computed tomography (CT) revealed that the tumor extended to and filled the entire length of the right nasolacrimal duct, from the orbit to the inferior meatus.

    Academic text (2010)

  • During the procedure, the surgeon carefully examined the nasolacrimal duct for any signs of obstruction.

Surface Forms

nasolacrimal duct singular
nasolacrimal ducts plural

Morphology

nasolacrimal + duct

The term is fully compositional: 'nasolacrimal' denotes relation to the nose and lacrimal (tear) apparatus and 'duct' denotes a hollow channel, so the phrase directly denotes a channel carrying tears into the nasal area. Although medicalized, the meaning is predictable from the constituents and therefore inferable by a learner who knows those parts.

Etymology

Nasolacrimal duct comes from parts that mean naso the 'nose', lacrimal the 'tear', and duct the 'tube'. It gives a clear picture of a small tube that carries tears into the nose, so today it means the channel that drains tears from the eye into the nose.