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Glite Dictionary
auditory tube

auditory tube

5.3
A tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose to make ear pressure the same
  • noun
  • /ˈɔːdɪtɔri tuːb/
  • Specialized
translation icon : trompa de Eustaquio
  • When you swallow, your auditory tube opens to equalize the pressure on both sides of your eardrum.

Examples

  • This new set is found draped around the auditory tube, which connects our ears to our throat.

  • A blocked auditory tube can cause discomfort and lead to ear infections.

  • The auditory tube helps balance the pressure in the ear during changes in altitude.

Synonyms

Eustachian tube
vsauditory tube
  • Specialized
1 6.8

A narrow tube that connects the middle ear to the throat and equalizes ear pressure

uses the technical term nasopharynx instead of upper throat

Surface Forms

auditory tube singular
auditory tubes plural

Morphology

auditory + tube

The meaning is compositionally transparent: 'auditory' (related to hearing) + 'tube' (a hollow cylinder) straightforwardly yields a tube associated with hearing, so a B1 learner would infer it refers to a tube in the ear. The precise anatomical function (connecting middle ear to nasopharynx and equalizing pressure) is technical, but the basic referent is directly derivable and mirrors similar formations in other languages.

Etymology

Auditory tube is a simple picture: auditory means 'ear' and tube means a small 'pipe' that connects the ear to the back of the nose and throat. Imagine a tiny pipe that opens when you swallow to let air in and balance pressure on both sides of the eardrum, so the name reminds you it helps keep the ear feeling normal.