pharynx
[ far-ingks ]
/ ˈfær ɪŋks /
noun, plural pha·ryn·ges [fuh-rin-jeez] /fəˈrɪn dʒiz/, phar·ynx·es. Anatomy.
the tube or cavity, with its surrounding membrane and muscles, that connects the mouth and nasal passages with the esophagus.
Nearby words
Origin of pharynx
1685–95; < New Latin < Greek phárynx throat, akin to pháranx gulf, chasm
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Examples from the Web for pharynx
British Dictionary definitions for pharynx
pharynx
/ (ˈfærɪŋks) /
noun plural pharynges (fæˈrɪndʒiːz) or pharynxes
the part of the alimentary canal between the mouth and the oesophagusCompare nasopharynx Related adjective: pharyngeal
Word Origin for pharynx
C17: via New Latin from Greek pharunx throat; related to Greek pharanx chasm
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for pharynx
pharynx
1690s, from Greek pharynx (genitive pharyngos) "windpipe, throat," related to pharanx "cleft, chasm."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Medicine definitions for pharynx
pharynx
[ făr′ĭngks ]
n. pl. phar•ynx•es
The upper section of the alimentary canal that extends from the mouth and nasal cavities to the larynx.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Science definitions for pharynx
pharynx
[ făr′ĭngks ]
Plural pharynges (fə-rĭn′jēz) pharynxes
The passage that leads from the cavities of the nose and mouth to the larynx (voice box) and esophagus. Air passes through the pharynx on the way to the lungs, and food enters the esophagus from the pharynx.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.