How to Pronounce Choanae
Definition, meaning, and phonetic spelling
Choanae Pronunciation
KOH-ah-nee
Stressed syllable in ALL CAPS · hyphens separate syllables
Syllable Breakdown
KOH
stress here
ah
nee
3 syllables
What is Choanae?
The two posterior openings of the nasal cavity (also called posterior nasal apertures) that connect the nasal passages to the nasopharynx (upper throat). Blockage of these passages at birth (choanal atresia) is a neonatal emergency as newborns are obligate nose breathers.
Questions About Choanae
How do you pronounce 'choanae'?
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Choanae is pronounced KOH-ah-nee, with the stress on the first syllable. Say it like "KOH" (rhymes with "go"), then "ah" (like the vowel sound in "father"), then "nee" (like the word "knee"). The emphasis falls heavily on that first KOH sound.
What's the correct way to break 'choanae' into syllables?
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Choanae breaks into three syllables: cho-a-nae. Each syllable is roughly equal in length, but remember that KOH gets the stress, making it stand out from the other two.
What is the most common mispronunciation of 'choanae'?
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Many people stress the wrong syllable and say cho-AH-nee (with emphasis on the middle syllable) or cho-ah-NAY. The correct way is to stress the first syllable: KOH-ah-nee. Putting the stress anywhere else will make it harder for others to understand you.
Where does the word 'choanae' come from?
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Choanae comes from ancient Greek, where 'choane' means "funnel" or "opening." The plural form adds the "e" at the end, which is typical in Latin and Greek medical terminology. This root makes sense because the choanae are the funnel-like openings at the back of the nasal passages.
What does 'choanae' mean in plain English?
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Choanae simply means the two back openings of your nasal passages—think of them as the doorways where your nose connects to your throat. They're the "exit holes" of your nasal cavity.
Are there related words that use the same Greek root as 'choanae'?
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Yes! The term 'choanal' (KOH-ah-nal) uses the same root and means "related to the choanae." You might also hear 'choana' (KOH-ah-nah), which is the singular form for just one opening instead of both.
Can you use 'choanae' in a simple sentence?
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Here's an example: "The choanae are located at the very back of the nasal cavity." Or: "Air travels through the nasal passages and exits through the choanae into the throat."
Is 'choanae' singular or plural?
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Choanae is the plural form—it refers to both openings. If you're talking about just one opening, you'd use the singular form 'choana' (KOH-ah-nah). Since there are normally two of these openings (one on each side), you'll usually hear the plural form used in medical language.