larynx
Americannoun
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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.
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Zoology.
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a similar vocal organ in other mammals.
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a corresponding structure in certain lower animals.
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noun
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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.
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Also called voice box
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of larynx
1570–80; < New Latin < Greek lárynx
Compare meaning
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Explanation
The larynx, or "voice box," is the cartilaginous structure at the top of the trachea, or "windpipe," which is in your throat. The larynx contains the vocal cords. The Greek word laryngos means "the upper windpipe." The larynx does all sorts of important things besides housing the vocal cords (which are actually folds, not cords). The larynx is involved in breathing, and it also helps keep food from entering your windpipe when you swallow. All mammals have one — the wolf that howls, the lion that roars, and Tarzan, who makes that — whatever that sound is he makes.
Vocabulary lists containing larynx
Gross, Anatomy!
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Human Anatomy and Physiology - Introductory
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Human Anatomy and Physiology - High School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
His club anthems include Illogical, Larynx and Kreatine.
From BBC • May 6, 2019
Included in the upper respiratory tract are the Nostrils, Nasal Cavities, Pharynx, Epiglottis, and the Larynx.
From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015
Larynx and trachea injected; but the membrane lining them is entire, without pustules or ulceration.
From North American Medical and Surgical Journal, Vol. 2, No. 3, July, 1826 by Bache, Franklin
The Reverend Mr Larynx approached the sofa, and proposed a game at billiards.
From Nightmare Abbey by Peacock, Thomas Love
This Muscle serves to lift up the Larynx, as also to dilate the bottom of the Scutiformis, and to close its top.
From The Compleat Surgeon or, the whole Art of Surgery explain'd in a most familiar Method. by Le Clerc, Charles Gabriel
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
