pharynx

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noun phar·ynx \ˈfer-iŋ(k)s, ˈfa-riŋ(k)s\

Definition of pharynx

plural

pharynges

play \fə-ˈrin-(ˌ)jēz\ also

pharynxes

1 : the muscular tubular passage of the vertebrate digestive and respiratory tracts extending from the back of the nasal cavity and mouth to the esophagus — compare nasopharynx, oropharynx
2 : a differentiated part of the digestive tract in some invertebrates that may be thickened and muscular, eversible and toothed, or adapted as a suctorial organ

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Recent Examples of pharynx from the Web

That left behind just the worm's tube-like mouth sticking out of its belly, attached to its digestive tract via the pharynx.

— annalee newitz, Ars Technica, "When flatworms go to space, they grow two heads", 13 June 2017
Hagfish take in water through their nasopharyngeal duct, which leads to their pharynx and gill pouches.

— mary bates, WIRED, "The Creature Feature: 10 Fun Facts About the Hagfish", 3 Nov. 2014

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

Origin and Etymology of pharynx

New Latin pharyng-, pharynx, from Greek, throat, pharynx; akin to Old Norse barki throat and probably to Latin ferire to strike — more at bore

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First Known Use: 1638

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PHARYNX Defined for English Language Learners

pharynx

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noun

Definition of pharynx for English Language Learners

medical : the part inside your mouth where the passages of the nose connect to your mouth and throat

PHARYNX Defined for Kids

pharynx

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noun phar·ynx \ˈfer-iŋks\

Definition of pharynx for Students

plural

pharynges

\fə-ˈrin-ˌjēz\ also

pharynxes

: a tube extending from the back of the nasal passages and mouth to the esophagus that is the passage through which air passes to the larynx and food to the esophagus

Medical Dictionary

pharynx

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noun phar·ynx \ˈfar-iŋ(k)s\

Medical Definition of pharynx

plural

pharynges

\fə-ˈrin-(ˌ)jēz\play also

pharynxes

: the part of the digestive and respiratory tracts situated between the cavity of the mouth and the esophagus and in humans being a conical musculomembranous tube about four and a half inches (11.43 centimeters) long that is continuous above with the mouth and nasal passages, communicates through the eustachian tubes with the ears, and extends downward past the opening into the larynx to the lower border of the cricoid cartilage where it is continuous with the esophagus—see laryngopharynx, nasopharynx, oropharynx