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pharyngo-

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a combining form representing pharynx in compound words: pharyngology.
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In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
Also especially before a vowel, pharyng-.

Origin of pharyngo-

<Greek, combining form of phárynx throat
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

WORDS THAT USE PHARYNGO-

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-.

Examples of pharyngo-

An example of a scientific term that features pharyngo– is pharyngology, “the science of the pharynx and its diseases.”

We know pharyngo– means “pharynx,” and the logy portion of the word refers to “study” or “science,” from Greek logía. Pharyngology literally means “pharynx science.”

What are some words that use the combining form pharyngo-?

What are some other forms that pharyngo– may be commonly confused with?

Break it down!

The combining form scope means “instrument for viewing.” With this in mind, what is a pharyngoscope used for?

How to use pharyngo- in a sentence

  • The wide distribution of these pharyngo-laryngo-esophago-pulmano-cardio-gastric nerves gives ample opportunity for reflexes.

    Psychotherapy|James J. Walsh

British Dictionary definitions for pharyngo-

pharyngo-

before a vowel pharyng-


combining form
pharynxpharyngoscope
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
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