pharyngo-

1. a combining form representing pharynx in compound words.

   pharyngology.

pharyngo-

combining form

1. pharynx

   pharyngoscope

Word History and Origins

Origin of pharyngo-¹

< Greek, combining form of phárynx throat

When To Use

What does pharyngo- mean?

Pharyngo- 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. Pharyngo- is occasionally used in medical terms, especially in pathology.Pharyngo- 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 pharyngo-?When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, pharyngo- becomes pharyng-, as in pharyngitis. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use article about pharyng-.