esophagus
UK: ɪˈsɒfəɡəs | US: ɪˈsɑːfəɡəs
n. The muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach, through which food passes during swallowing.
esophagus = eso<within> + phag<eat> + us<noun suffix>
- eso<within>: From Greek esō, meaning "within" or "inner."
- phag<eat>: From Greek phagein, meaning "to eat" or "to swallow."
- us<noun suffix>: A Latin suffix used to form nouns, often indicating a structure or function.
Etymology Origin:
The word esophagus originates from Greek oisophagos (later Latinized as esophagus), combining esō ("within") and phagein ("to eat"). It literally means "the passage for eating within," reflecting its anatomical role in transporting food. Over time, the spelling simplified while retaining its core morphemes, aligning with medical terminology's Greek-Latin roots.
The esophagus contracts rhythmically to move food toward the stomach.
Acid reflux can damage the lining of the esophagus.
A blockage in the esophagus may require medical intervention.
The doctor examined his esophagus using an endoscope.
Swallowing disorders often involve dysfunction of the esophagus.