How to Pronounce Nasolacrimal Duct
Definition, meaning, and phonetic spelling
Nasolacrimal Duct Pronunciation
nay-zoh-LAK-rih-mul dukt
Stressed syllable in ALL CAPS · hyphens separate syllables
Syllable Breakdown
nay
zoh
LAK
stress here
rih
mul dukt
5 syllables
What is Nasolacrimal Duct?
The duct that drains tears from the eye into the nasal cavity, explaining why crying causes a runny nose; blockage is common in infants and causes excessive tearing.
Questions About Nasolacrimal Duct
How do you pronounce 'nasolacrimal duct'?
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Say it like this: nay-zoh-LAK-rih-mul dukt. The stress falls on the third syllable, 'LAK,' which should be said louder and longer than the others. The word 'duct' at the end rhymes with 'stuck.'
What does 'naso-' mean at the start of nasolacrimal?
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'Naso-' comes from Latin and means 'nose.' So whenever you see 'naso-' in a medical word, it's telling you the word has something to do with the nose.
What does the 'lacrimal' part of the word mean?
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'Lacrimal' comes from the Latin word 'lacrima,' which means 'tear.' So 'lacrimal' always refers to tears or tear-related structures in the eye and face.
How do you break nasolacrimal duct into syllables?
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Break it like this: na-so-LAK-ri-mul dukt. It's five syllables in the first word and one in the second. Remember, the third syllable 'LAK' is the one you emphasize.
What's the most common mistake people make saying this word?
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The biggest mistake is stressing the wrong syllable—people often say 'NAY-zo-lak-ri-mul' instead of 'nay-zo-LAK-ri-mul.' Keep in mind that 'LAK' is the important syllable that gets the emphasis.
What does nasolacrimal duct mean in plain English?
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It's the tiny tube that carries tears from your eye down into your nose. This is why your nose runs when you cry—the tears are traveling through this duct!
Are there related words that use 'lacrimal'?
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Yes! You might hear 'lacrimal gland' (which makes tears) or 'lacrimal sac' (which collects tears). All of these words share the 'lacrimal' root because they're all about tears.
How would you use 'nasolacrimal duct' in a sentence?
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You could say: 'The nasolacrimal duct is the drainage system for tears in your eye.' Or: 'Understanding where the nasolacrimal duct is located helps explain the connection between your eyes and nose.'