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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
About six months after Aerosmith announced their retirement from touring in the wake of Tyler's onstage larynx fracture in September 2023, the 76-year-old vocalist took the stage for a performance at his Jam for Janie Grammy Awards Viewing Party in Los Angeles on Feb. 2.
—
Jack Irvin, People.com, 4 Feb. 2025
Infection in other body parts, such as the brain, spin or larynx, can lead to intense pain in that area.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
The typical treatment for SD is Botox injections into the larynx muscles.
—
Angela Haupt, TIME, 29 Jan. 2025
For some years, my larynx has been swimming in phlegm, the result of an undetermined ratio between reflux and postnasal drip.
—
John McPhee, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025
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Word History
Etymology
New Latin laryng-, larynx, from Greek
First Known Use
1578, in the meaning defined above
Articles Related to larynx
Dictionary Entries Near larynx
Cite this Entry
“Larynx.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/larynx. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on larynx
Nglish: Translation of larynx for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of larynx for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about larynx
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