tear duct
B2Formal, Technical, Medical
Definition
Meaning
A small tube in the inner corner of the eye that drains tears from the eye's surface into the nasal cavity.
The anatomical structure responsible for the drainage of tears, often referenced in medical contexts or when describing emotional expression or physical irritation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A compound noun referring to a specific anatomical part. It is singular, but often used in the plural ('tear ducts') as they exist in pairs. The focus is on the function of drainage, not production.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling is consistent. Pronunciation differs mainly in the vowel of 'tear' (/tɪə/ vs /tɪr/).
Connotations
Identical. Purely anatomical/medical.
Frequency
Equally uncommon in everyday conversation, primarily used in medical, anatomical, or specific descriptive contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [ADJ] tear duct was [VERB-ed].She has a [PROBLEM] with her tear duct.Tears flow through the tear duct into the [LOCATION].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in biology, anatomy, and medical textbooks/research.
Everyday
Used when discussing eye infections, crying, or allergies (e.g., 'My tear ducts are blocked from this cold').
Technical
Precise term in ophthalmology, optometry, and surgery.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The tear-duct surgery was successful.
- He has a tear-duct disorder.
American English
- The tear-duct procedure is outpatient.
- She needed tear-duct irrigation.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Babies sometimes have a blocked tear duct.
- When I cry, I can feel the tears going down my tear duct.
- The ophthalmologist explained that a blocked tear duct can cause constant watering of the eye.
- Chronic dacryocystitis, an infection of the tear duct sac, often requires surgical intervention to restore proper drainage.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a DUCT like a tube for air conditioning. A TEAR DUCT is a tiny 'tube' specifically for tears, ducting them away from your eye.
Conceptual Metaphor
PLUMBING / DRAINAGE SYSTEM (The face/eye has a plumbing system where tears are the liquid and ducts are the pipes).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'слезный канал' which is less precise. The standard anatomical term is 'слезный проток' or 'носо-слезный проток'.
- Do not confuse with 'tear gland' (слезная железа), which produces tears.
Common Mistakes
- Pronouncing 'tear' as in 'to tear paper' (/teə/ or /tɛr/). The correct pronunciation uses the vowel from 'tear' as in 'crying'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'The duct tears') – it is strictly a noun.
- Misspelling as 'tear duck'.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of the tear duct?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The tear gland (lacrimal gland) produces tears. The tear duct drains them away.
You can feel the general area in the inner corner of your eye, especially if they are swollen or blocked, but you cannot feel the individual duct itself.
Common causes include infection, inflammation, injury, age-related narrowing, or, in infants, incomplete development of the duct system.
Yes. They constantly drain the basal tears that lubricate your eye, which is why a blockage causes a watery eye even when you are not emotional.