Definition
The narrowest cross-section of a venturi or similar constricted passage, where airflow velocity is highest and static pressure is lowest in accordance with Bernoulli's principle.
Plain English
The skinniest part of a tube or duct that air is being squeezed through. Because the opening gets smaller there, the air speeds up and its pressure drops.
Context Anchor
Seen in Bernoulli’s principle discussions, especially when explaining how a narrowed passage changes airspeed and pressure.
Derivation
From Old English 'throte,' the narrow passage in the neck. The word is borrowed for any pipe or duct that pinches inward, since the same shape — wide, then narrow, then wide again — appears in plumbing, engines, and aerodynamics.
Why Pilots Care
The throat produces the low pressure that draws fuel into the airstream in carbureted engines.
Grounding Statement
Picture air entering a tube that pinches inward, moving fastest as it passes through the tightest point.
Intuition Check
Do not read “throat” as a body part here. In this context, it means the narrowest part of an airflow passage.
Example Sentence 1
As air passes through the throat of the venturi, its velocity increases and its static pressure decreases.
Example Sentence 2
The carburetor throat creates the pressure difference that pulls fuel into the engine.