larynx

noun

lar·​ynx ˈler-iŋ(k)s 

ˈla-riŋ(k)s

plural larynges lə-ˈrin-(ˌ)jēz  or larynxes

: the modified upper part of the trachea of air-breathing vertebrates that in humans, most other mammals, and some amphibians and reptiles contains the vocal cords

Examples of larynx in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Before Ann’s stroke, these brain regions sent signals to muscles involved in speech, like those in the larynx, lips and tongue. —Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Aug. 2023

The electrodes intercepted brain signals that, if not for Ann's stroke, would have gone to muscles in her, tongue, jaw and larynx, as well as her face, according to UCSF. —Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY, 24 Aug. 2023

Croup Croup is a viral infection that inflames the vocal cords and larynx. —Nicole Harris, Parents, 10 July 2023

Among the orangutans in Borneo, males that were in combative situations would simultaneously make a chomping noise with the mouth and a grumbling noise with the larynx, according to a statement. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 June 2023

In October 2021, Powers had a severe drug reaction to over-the-counter medication that affected his larynx and vocal cords. —Tatiana Tenreyro, SPIN, 21 June 2023

According to a paper published in the Journal of Zoology, cats purr using their larynx and diaphragm muscles. —Staff Report, USA TODAY, 19 Apr. 2023

At some point in the chaos, doctors inserted a tube down his throat and accidentally crushed his larynx. —Kyle Eustice, SPIN, 15 May 2023

Vocal cord paralysis occurs when the nerve impulses to the larynx — the area of the throat with the vocal cords — are disrupted, according to the Mayo Clinic. —Caitlin O'Kane, CBS News, 14 June 2023

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Word History

Etymology

New Latin laryng-, larynx, from Greek

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

larynx

noun

lar·​ynx ˈlar-iŋ(k)s 

plural larynges lə-ˈrin-(ˌ)jēz  or larynxes

: the upper part of the trachea that in human beings and most mammals contains the vocal cords

called also voice box

Medical Definition

larynx

noun

lar·​ynx ˈlar-iŋ(k)s 

plural larynges lə-ˈrin-(ˌ)jēz  or larynxes

: the modified upper part of the respiratory passage of air-breathing vertebrates that is bounded above by the glottis, is continuous below with the trachea, has a complex cartilaginous or bony skeleton capable of limited motion through the action of associated muscles, and in humans, most other mammals, and a few lower forms has a set of elastic vocal cords that play a major role in sound production and speech

called also voice box