Main Entry: phar·ynx

Pronunciation: \ˈfa-riŋ(k)s\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural pha·ryn·ges \fə-ˈrin-(ˌ)jēz\ also phar·ynx·es

Etymology: New Latin pharyng-, pharynx, from Greek, throat, pharynx; akin to Old Norse barki throat and probably to Latin ferire to strike — more at bore

Date: 1677

1 : the muscular tubular passage of the vertebrate digestive and respiratory tracts extending from the back of the nasal cavity and mouth to the esophagus — compare nasopharynx, oropharynx
2 : a differentiated part of the alimentary canal in some invertebrates that may be thickened and muscular, eversible and toothed, or adapted as a suctorial organ