pharyng-

1. variant of pharyngo- before a vowel.

   pharyngitis.

Example Sentences

Pharyngog′raphy, a description of the pharynx; Pharyng′ōscope, an instrument for inspecting the pharynx; Pharyng′oscopy; Pharyngot′omy, the operation of making an incision into the pharynx to remove a tumour.

From Project Gutenberg

When To Use

What does pharyng- mean?

Pharyng- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “pharynx.” The pharynx is the tube or cavity that connects the mouth or nasal passages with the esophagus. Pharyng- is occasionally used in medical terms, especially in pathology.Pharyng- comes from Greek phárynx, meaning “throat.” Pharynx is not related to larynx, a portion of the throat, from Greek lárynx, meaning “upper windpipe”; however, because the definitions of phárynx and lárynx are so similar, it is possible that the spelling of larynx was influenced long ago by that of pharynx. To learn more, check out our entries for both words.What are variants of pharyng-?Pharyng- is a variant of pharyngo-, which loses its -o- when combined with words or word elements beginning with vowels. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use article about pharyngo-.