respiratory system

noun

: a system of organs functioning in respiration and in humans consisting especially of the nose, nasal passages, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs : respiratory tract

Illustration of respiratory system

Illustration of respiratory system
  • 1 nostril
  • 2 nose
  • 3 nasal cavity
  • 4 nasopharynx
  • 5 oropharynx
  • 6 larynx
  • 7 trachea
  • 8 bronchus
  • 9 lung

Examples of respiratory system in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Air pollution from oil and gas operations can cause cancer, harm the nervous and respiratory systems and contribute to birth defects. Matthew Daly, Fortune, 4 Dec. 2023 Those 31 human peptides were related to blood proteins or the respiratory system, as well as ciliopathy or retinal diseases, or inflammatory processes, per the authors. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 21 Aug. 2023 Full of herbal medicines to heal the respiratory system, boost immunity, and reduce stress, among other properties, the Moskehtu box is a cornerstone in ancestral health and wellness. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 16 Nov. 2023 In other words, these results suggest that three lineages of extinct species evolved the same respiratory system independently. Jeanne Timmons, Ars Technica, 26 July 2023 Amid all the working parts of the human body, the respiratory system administers some of the most important functions that keep us alive. Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 12 Jan. 2024 If this happens, typical COVID tests, which involve the respiratory system, will return negative. Erin Prater, Fortune Well, 19 Dec. 2023 These are fine particles that have a diameter of 2.5 microns or smaller—tiny enough to travel deep into the respiratory system. Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 7 June 2023 Ray Liotta died last year of heart and respiratory system issues, according to a report citing his death documents. Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'respiratory system.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of respiratory system was in 1811

Dictionary Entries Near respiratory system

Cite this Entry

“Respiratory system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respiratory%20system. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

respiratory system

noun
: a system of organs used in breathing that in human beings consists of the nose, nasal passages, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi and lungs

Medical Definition

respiratory system

noun
: a system of organs functioning in respiration and in humans consisting especially of the nose, nasal passages, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs : respiratory tract

More from Merriam-Webster on respiratory system

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