: a small, usually plastic tube inserted into the trachea through the mouth or nose to maintain an unobstructed passageway especially to deliver oxygen or anesthesia to the lungs
The endotracheal tube is connected to a ventilator, which controls the patient's breathing throughout the operation and delivers oxygen to the lungs. Elizabeth G. Douglas
called alsobreathing tube
Word History
First Known Use
1932, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
endotracheal tube
noun
: a small, usually plastic tube inserted into the trachea through the mouth or nose to maintain an unobstructed passageway especially to deliver oxygen or anesthesia to the lungs