nasopharynx
noun
na·so·phar·ynx
ˌnā-zō-ˈfer-iŋ(k)s 
-ˈfa-riŋ(k)s
: the upper part of the pharynx continuous with the nasal passages
Examples of nasopharynx in a Sentence
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Inside the body During the subsequent 24 hours, the virus takes root by lodging in her nasopharynx cells in the upper part of the throat and starts spreading to her lungs.
—
Emily Baumgaertner Nunn, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
The inside of the nose remains mysterious to many, and the nasopharynx— the area way in the back of the nose, up behind the roof of the mouth, is a nether region that few besides otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat specialists) approach.
—Nina Shapiro, Forbes, 31 Jan. 2022
There was a recent study from Israel to show that the level of virus in the nasopharynx of vaccinated people is extremely low.
—CBS News, 28 Feb. 2021
An analysis of viral samples from around the state showed that, compared with people infected with other strains of SARS-CoV-2, those who were infected with the California strain had viral loads in the nasopharynx that were twice as high.
—Melissa Healy, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2021
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Emily Baumgaertner Nunn, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
The inside of the nose remains mysterious to many, and the nasopharynx— the area way in the back of the nose, up behind the roof of the mouth, is a nether region that few besides otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat specialists) approach.
—Nina Shapiro, Forbes, 31 Jan. 2022
There was a recent study from Israel to show that the level of virus in the nasopharynx of vaccinated people is extremely low.
—CBS News, 28 Feb. 2021
An analysis of viral samples from around the state showed that, compared with people infected with other strains of SARS-CoV-2, those who were infected with the California strain had viral loads in the nasopharynx that were twice as high.
—Melissa Healy, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2021
Cite this Entry
“Nasopharynx.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nasopharynx. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
nasopharynx
noun
na·so·phar·ynx
-ˈfar-iŋ(k)s
plural nasopharynges
-fə-ˈrin-(ˌ)jēz
also nasopharynxes
also nasopharynxes
: the upper part of the pharynx continuous with the nasal passages compare laryngopharynx
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