larynx

American  

[lar-ingks] / ˈlær ɪŋks /

noun

plural

larynges, larynxes

1. Anatomy. a muscular and cartilaginous structure lined with mucous membrane at the upper part of the trachea in humans, in which the vocal cords are located.

2. Zoology.

   1. a similar vocal organ in other mammals.

   2. a corresponding structure in certain lower animals.

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larynx British  

/ ˈlærɪŋks /

noun

1. a cartilaginous and muscular hollow organ forming part of the air passage to the lungs: in higher vertebrates it contains the vocal cords

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larynx Scientific  

/ lăr′ĭngks /

plural

larynges

1. The upper part of the trachea in most vertebrate animals, containing the vocal cords. The walls of the larynx are made of cartilage. Sound is produced by air passing through the larynx on the way to the lungs, causing the walls of the larynx to vibrate. The pitch of the sound that is produced can be altered by the pull of muscles, which changes the tension of the vocal cords.

2. Also called voice box

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larynx Cultural  

1. The specialized upper portion of the trachea that contains the vocal cords; the voice box.

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Etymology

Origin of larynx

1570–80; < New Latin < Greek lárynx

Compare meaning

How does larynx compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• pharynx vs. larynx
• larynx vs. trachea

Example Sentences

“Or my larynx is about to fall out. I don’t think I’ve ever connected so many calls in one night in my life.”

From Literature

His parents were told he might never walk and might struggle with eating after needing surgery for a floppy larynx.

From BBC

At the same time, they create a high pitched sound by whistling inside the larynx.

From Science Daily

She has regular contact with her GP surgery as she is on thyroid medication after having half her larynx removed because of a benign tumour.

From BBC

I should first clarify for readers that in real life you don’t speak like the ghost of every British stage ham converged into one larynx.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• esophagus