upper respiratory

adjective

: of, relating to, or affecting the upper respiratory tract
upper respiratory infections

Examples of upper respiratory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Infections Viruses or bacteria infecting the upper respiratory tract (the airways) often affect the throat first, causing soreness. — Mark Gurarie, Health, 17 Mar. 2025 Similarly, 44 percent of the HAPE group reported having a recent upper respiratory tract infection, compared to just 29 percent of the non-HAPE group. — Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 12 Mar. 2025 So far, there’s been reassurance because the virus is unable to latch onto the cells in the human upper respiratory tract. — Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2025 Further analysis identified that the mutation has the potential to more efficiently bind to cells in the upper respiratory tract in humans, which existing avian influenza strains have been unable to do. — New Atlas, 12 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for upper respiratory

Word History

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of upper respiratory was in 1841

Rhymes for upper respiratory

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Browse Nearby Words

Upper Republican
upper respiratory
upper respiratory tract
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Cite this Entry

“Upper respiratory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upper%20respiratory. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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Medical Definition

upper respiratory

adjective
: of, relating to, or affecting the upper respiratory tract
upper respiratory infection
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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