larynx

play

noun lar·ynx \ ˈler-iŋ(k)s , ˈla-riŋ(k)s \

Definition of larynx

plural larynges play \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

See larynx defined for English-language learners

See larynx defined for kids

Recent Examples of larynx from the Web

To produce a long E, humans pull their tongues upward and forward, creating a large back cavity above the larynx while constricting the forward area, creating a 10-to-one difference in volume from back to front.

— ben guarino, chicagotribune.com, "Why can't monkeys talk? Scientists rumble over a curious question," 9 July 2017
In dry drowning, a person's larynx closes in an attempt to stop water from seeping into the respiratory system, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

— cleve r. wootson jr., chicagotribune.com, "A 4-year-old dies days after going swimming. Was 'dry drowning' to blame?," 9 June 2017
Other cancers linked to tobacco include that of the mouth, larynx, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, liver, stomach, pancreas and cervix, as well as a form of leukemia.

— paul sisson, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Half of all cancer deaths are avoidable. Follow these key prevention steps.," 2 June 2017
Smoking and alcohol can loosen tension of the upper esophageal sphincter and cause symptoms of reflux like hoarseness, postnasal drip and shortness of breath by irritating the mouth, larynx and trachea, Dr. Aviv reports.

— jane e. brody, New York Times, "Pop a Pill for Heartburn? Try Diet and Exercise Instead," 20 Mar. 2017
Mr. Hancock got temporary relief from speech therapy, and from injections of Botox into the muscles of his larynx, a standard treatment.

— jennifer van allen, New York Times, "Helping Homeless Artists Turn Around Their Fortunes FEB. 17, 2016," 9 Mar. 2016
According to one, their oral and nasal pathways could resonate in tandem with the folds of their larynx, where sounds are produced, so that their vocal system behaves like a musical wind instrument.

— tanya lewis, WIRED, "Helium-Breathing Gibbons Sing Like Human Sopranos," 23 Aug. 2012

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'larynx.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of larynx

New Latin laryng-, larynx, from Greek

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1578

See Words from the same year

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

LARYNX Defined for English Language Learners

larynx

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noun

Definition of larynx for English Language Learners

medical : the part of your throat that contains the vocal cords

LARYNX Defined for Kids

larynx

play

noun lar·ynx \ ˈler-iŋks \

Definition of larynx for Students

plural larynges \lə-ˈrin-ˌjēz\ or larynxes

:the upper part of the trachea that contains the vocal cords

Medical Dictionary

larynx

play

noun lar·ynx \ ˈlar-iŋ(k)s \

medical Definition of larynx

plural larynges play \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