pharynx

[far-ingks]

noun

Anatomy.

plural

pharynges, pharynxes 

1. the tube or cavity, with its surrounding membrane and muscles, that connects the mouth and nasal passages with the esophagus.

pharynx

/ ˈfærɪŋks /

noun

1. the part of the alimentary canal between the mouth and the oesophagus Compare nasopharynx

pharynx

plural

pharynges 

1. 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pharynx¹

1685–95; < New Latin < Greek phárynx throat, akin to pháranx gulf, chasm

Word History and Origins

Origin of pharynx¹

C17: via New Latin from Greek pharunx throat; related to Greek pharanx chasm

Example Sentences

She does this in order to pick her nose, before licking the mucus, as scientists confirmed by observation followed by CAT scan to determine that the chopstick-like digit reaches all the way to the pharynx.

From Salon

He said “there is also the possibility that virus could enter via the tonsils in the pharynx of the cats prior to ingestion in both the bird consumption and milk consumption scenarios.”

From Los Angeles Times

Approximately 95% of the world's population is infected with EBV, which remains in the body permanently, typically in B lymphocytes, which are antibody-producing immune system cells, and cells lining the throat and pharynx.

From Science Daily

You don’t want hot water, either, because it can cause your pharynx to swell slightly.

From Literature

A singer’s vocal tone, or timbre, is shaped by the tissue in her mouth, tongue, pharynx and face, he said, adding that it was possible this tissue became more supple after pregnancy.

From New York Times

Related Words

• esophagus 
• larynx