noun a small bird with a distinctive forked tail
verb to cause or allow something to pass down the throat
In anatomy, 'swallow' is used to describe the action of moving food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach through the esophagus.
In phonetics, 'swallow' can refer to the process of a sound being produced in the throat and not articulated in the mouth, such as with the 'swallowed' /k/ sound in the word 'king'.
In the field of ornithology, 'swallow' refers to a type of bird known for its graceful flight patterns and aerial feeding habits.
In a literary context, 'swallow' may be used metaphorically to describe the act of taking in or absorbing information, such as a character who swallows their pride.
In psychology, 'swallow' may refer to the act of suppressing emotions or thoughts, as in 'swallowing' one's feelings.
For speech therapists, 'swallow' is used to describe the physical act of swallowing and may involve assessing and treating swallowing disorders.
Biologists may use 'swallow' when referring to the bird species of swallows, which are known for their aerial feeding habits.
Medical doctors may use 'swallow' when discussing patients who have difficulty swallowing, which could be a symptom of various medical conditions.
In a culinary context, 'swallow' may refer to the action of quickly consuming food or drink, as in 'swallowing' a shot of liquor.
Musicians may use 'swallow' to describe the technique of quickly transitioning between notes or phrases, as in 'swallowing' a difficult passage in a piece of music.