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larynx
[ lar-ingks ]
/ ˈlær ɪŋks /
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noun, plural la·ryn·ges [luh-rin-jeez], /ləˈrɪn dʒiz/, lar·ynx·es.
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.
Zoology.
- a similar vocal organ in other mammals.
- a corresponding structure in certain lower animals.
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Origin of larynx
1570–80; <New Latin <Greek lárynx
Words nearby larynx
laryngopharynx, laryngoscope, laryngoscopy, laryngotomy, laryngotracheal, larynx, lasagna, lasagne, La Salle, La Scala, lascar
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use larynx in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for larynx
larynx
/ (ˈlærɪŋks) /
noun plural larynges (ləˈrɪndʒiːz) or larynxes
a cartilaginous and muscular hollow organ forming part of the air passage to the lungs: in higher vertebrates it contains the vocal cords
Word Origin for larynx
C16: from New Latin larynx, from Greek larunx
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for larynx
larynx
[ lăr′ĭngks ]
Plural larynges (lə-rĭn′jēz) larynxes
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. Also called voice box
Other words from larynx
laryngeal adjectiveThe American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Cultural definitions for larynx
larynx
[ (lar-ingks) ]
The specialized upper portion of the trachea that contains the vocal cords; the voice box.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.