Sternutation

Big Word for Such a Quick Event

Leslie Reese, Nutritional Educator
Leslie Reese, Nutritional Educator, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Oct 14, 2009 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, sternutation is defined as the act, fact, or noise of sneezing. The example sentence that they provide is as follows: Julie knew that she had put on too much perfume when she entered the car and immediately heard a chorus of sternutation from the passengers.

Come to think of it, to define a sneeze could actually be difficult. Again, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary it is defined as a sudden violent spasmodic audible expiration of breath through the nose and mouth especially as a reflex act. Whew, that is a mouthful to say to explain something that happens so suddenly.

So, why do we sneeze? Sneezing is a reflex action by the body. This occurs typically when something irritates the inside of the nose or upper airway. This can be from anything like dust, smoke, pepper, pet dander and/or pollen. The act of sneezing will bring those particles out of the nose, airways, and lungs. Most people think of their nose when they sneeze, but it takes much more of the body to produce that reaction. Muscles involved are the abdominal muscles, the chest muscles, the diaphragm, the muscles in your vocal cords, the muscles in the back of your throat, and even the muscles in your eyelids. Your eyes are always closed when you sneeze. They say that sneezing can send the particles out at speeds of up to 100 mph. That's amazing!

Have you ever walked outside into the sunshine and had to sneeze? Then you are a photic sneezer. This affects about 1 in 3 people, and is an inherited trait.

Remember your new word. It's not a sneeze, it's a sternutation. I'm sure you'll get some looks.

"sternutation." Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. 2009. Merriam-Webster Online. 14 October 2009 http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sternutation

"sneeze." Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. 2009. Merriam-Webster Online. 14 October 2009 http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sneeze

Dowshen MD, Michael. "AHHH...CHOO!" 2009 Kids Health. 14 October 2009

http://kidshealth.org/kid/talk/qa/sneeze.html>

Published by Leslie Reese, Nutritional Educator

Leslie is a wife and mother of two children. She graduated from the Global College of Natural Medicine and is currently practicing as a Nutritional Educator. She enjoys spending time with her family and wo...  View profile

Did you know that a sneeze can travel up to 100 mph?

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