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Definition of "tracheostomy" [tracheostomy]

  • Surgical construction of an opening in the trachea for the insertion of a catheter or tube to facilitate breathing. (noun)
  • The opening so made. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "tracheostomy" in a sentence
  • "A tracheostomy is a surgical opening in the trachea (or “breathing tube”), which makes breathing easier."
  • "For this reason, a temporary tracheostomy is sometimes necessary to allow the baby to breathe normally until the trachea hardens."
  • "WASHINGTON mdash; A Massachusetts company is recalling tracheostomy tubes used to help patients on ventilators breathe after receiving reports that three people died while using ..."