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