Dictionary
1swallow
noun swal·low \ˈswä-(ˌ)lō\
Definition of SWALLOW
1
: any of numerous small widely distributed oscine birds (family Hirundinidae, the swallow family) that have a short bill, long pointed wings, and often a deeply forked tail and that feed on insects caught on the wing
2
: any of several birds that superficially resemble swallows
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Illustration of SWALLOW
Origin of SWALLOW
Middle English swalowe, from Old English swealwe; akin to Old High German swalawa swallow
First Known Use: before 12th century
2swallow
verb
: to take (something) into your stomach through your mouth and throat
: to move the muscles in your throat as if you are swallowing something often because you are nervous
: to flow over and cover (something) completely
Full Definition of SWALLOW
transitive verb
1
: to take through the mouth and esophagus into the stomach
2
: to envelop or take in as if by swallowing : absorb <swallow the financial loss> <watch night swallow the valley>
3
: to accept without question, protest, or resentment <swallow an insult> <a hard story to swallow>
5
: to keep from expressing or showing : repress <swallowed my anger>
6
: to utter (as words) indistinctly
intransitive verb
1
: to receive something into the body through the mouth and esophagus
2
: to perform the action characteristic of swallowing something especially under emotional stress
— swal·low·able \ˈswä-lō-ə-bəl\ adjective
— swal·low·er \ˈswä-lə-wər\ noun
See swallow defined for English-language learners
Origin of SWALLOW
Middle English swalowen, from Old English swelgan; akin to Old High German swelgan to swallow
First Known Use: before 12th century
3swallow
noun
Definition of SWALLOW
1
: the passage connecting the mouth to the stomach
2
: a capacity for swallowing
3
a : an act of swallowing b : an amount that can be swallowed at one time
First Known Use of SWALLOW
14th century
Other Anatomy Terms
SWALLOW Defined for Kids
1swallow
noun swal·low \ˈswä-lō\
Definition of SWALLOW for Kids
: a small bird that has long wings and a forked tail and feeds on insects caught while in flight
2swallow
verb
swal·lowedswal·low·ing
Definition of SWALLOW for Kids
1
: to take into the stomach through the mouth and throat <Chew your food well before you swallow.>
2
: to perform the actions used in swallowing something <Clear your throat and swallow before answering.>
3
: to completely surround : engulf <Now she was half swallowed by the darkness of the barn door. — Richard Peck, A Year Down Yonder>
4
: to accept or believe without question <You swallow every story you hear.>
5
: to keep from expressing or showing : repress <I swallowed my pride and asked for help.>
3swallow
noun
Definition of SWALLOW for Kids
1
: an act of taking something into the stomach through the mouth and throat : an act of swallowing <He ate the cupcake in one swallow.>
2
: an amount that can be swallowed at one time <She took a swallow of water.>
Learn More About SWALLOW
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