larynx

noun

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lar·ynx | \ ˈler-iŋ(k)s

, ˈla-riŋ(k)s \

plural larynges\ lə-ˈrin-(ˌ)jēz

\ or larynxes

Definition of larynx

: 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 His voice also fits the part, his larynx having been sandblasted by a steady stream of Newport cigarettes. — Tom Robbins, The New Yorker, 23 July 2022 According to a paper published in the Journal of Zoology, cats purr using their larynx and diaphragm muscles. — Jacob Livesay, USA TODAY, 19 June 2022 Cinderella did larynx-shredding hard-rock that mashed up Aerosmith and AC/DC and, on later albums, The Rolling Stones. — Matt Wake | Mwake@al.com, al, 4 July 2022 Today’s amphibians, reptiles and mammals all possess a larynx, or voice box, near the top of their airway. — Michael B. Habib, Scientific American, 1 Jan. 2022 Whereas the larynx resides at the top of the main airway, the syrinx sits at the bottom, where the trachea (aka the windpipe) branches out to the lungs. — Michael B. Habib, Scientific American, 1 Jan. 2022 Their larynx is reduced, and the syrinx provides nearly all of their vocal control. — Michael B. Habib, Scientific American, 1 Jan. 2022 Hoarseness is usually a symptom of problems in the vocal folds of your larynx, aka your voice box. — Korin Miller, Health.com, 4 Nov. 2021 There was a tumor on his larynx, stage 3, that had almost reached his lymph nodes. — Usha Lee Mcfarling, Scientific American, 12 Nov. 2021 See More

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.

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Last Updated

5 Aug 2022

Cite this Entry

“Larynx.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/larynx. Accessed 13 Aug. 2022.

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More Definitions for larynx

larynx

noun

lar·ynx | \ ˈler-iŋks

plural larynges\ lə-ˈrin-ˌjēz \ or larynxes

Kids Definition of larynx

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

larynx

noun

lar·ynx | \ ˈlar-iŋ(k)s

plural larynges\ lə-ˈrin-(ˌ)jēz

\ or larynxes

Medical Definition of larynx

: 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