pharyngeal

adjective

pha·​ryn·​geal ˌfer-ən-ˈjē-əl 

fa-rən-;

fə-ˈrin-j(ē-)əl 

: relating to or located or produced in the region of the pharynx

Examples of pharyngeal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Since then researchers have discovered that the Epstein-Barr virus, which is known to cause cancers such as nasal pharyngeal cancers and some forms of lymphoma, is also linked to some stomach cancers and some rarer lymphomas, Clifford says. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 29 Sep. 2026

As a central nervous system depressant, alcohol suppresses the already-fragile neuromuscular tone of the pharyngeal dilators, pushing a vulnerable airway closer to collapse. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026

The posterior pharyngeal muscles at the back of the throat are innervated by the vagus nerve. — Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 May 2026

Recognizable by their strong pharyngeal teeth used to crush mollusc shells, black carps can significantly impact local ecosystems by feeding on mussels and snails, and competing with other native benthic fishes like smallmouth buffalo. — Cheyenne Derksen, Oklahoman, 18 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin pharyngeus "of the pharynx" (from Medieval Latin pharyng-, pharynx pharynx + Latin -eus -eous) + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1754, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pharyngeal

• pineal
• serial
• diarrheal
• diarrhoeal
• gonorrheal
• gonorrhoeal
• laryngeal
• meningeal
• mycelial
• endothelial
• epiphyseal
• hypophyseal

Kids Definition

pharyngeal

adjective

pha·​ryn·​geal ˌfar-ən-ˈjē-əl  fə-ˈrin-j(ē-)əl 

: relating to, located in, or produced in the region of the pharynx

Medical Definition

pharyngeal

adjective

pha·​ryn·​geal ˌfar-ən-ˈjē-əl  fə-ˈrin-j(ē-)əl 

1

: relating to or located in the region of the pharynx

2

a

: innervating the pharynx especially by contributing to the formation of the pharyngeal plexus

the pharyngeal branch of the vagus nerve

b

: supplying or draining the pharynx

the pharyngeal branch of the maxillary artery