syrinx

noun syr·inx \ ˈsir-iŋ(k)s \

Updated on: 24 Apr 2018

Definition of syrinx

plural syringes play \sə-ˈriŋ-ˌgēz, -ˈrin-ˌjēz\ or syrinxes

[Late Latin, from Greek]

: panpipe

[New Latin, from Greek]

: the vocal organ of birds that is a special modification of the lower part of the trachea or of the bronchi or of both

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Recent Examples of syrinx from the Web

Dallas Augustine, a board member of the needle exchange, said the group submitted an application to the California Department of Public Health on March 23 to hand out syringes and other harm reduction supplies out of a van in the four cities.

— ben brazil, latimes.com, "Orange County's needle exchange awaits state approval for mobile service," 19 Apr. 2018
In general, Durand said, used syringes aren't widespread in Anchorage's parks and greenbelts.

— devin kelly, Anchorage Daily News, "In Anchorage spring cleanups, containers for used needles become standard equipment," 13 Apr. 2018
The things that wash up or get left behind at New Jersey beaches no longer shock the volunteers of nonprofit Clean Ocean Action: diapers, tampon applicators, syringes, appliances, and blood vials among them.

— frank kummer, Philly.com, "Blood vials, shotgun shells, diapers, and other debris found on N.J. beaches," 12 Apr. 2018
Just the syringes, the needles and a portable toxic waste container for disposing of them.

— sloane crosley, The Cut, "The Doctor Is a Woman," 26 Mar. 2018
Foust brought meth, weed, tobacco, rolling papers, a lighter and two syringes to a court hearing Tuesday, police say, and hoped to pass it on to Ray, who is an inmate in the county jail.

— josh magness, miamiherald, "For drug smuggling couple, ‘love knows no bounds’ — or they’re ‘just stupid,’ Alabama cop says | Miami Herald," 8 Mar. 2018
Public hospitals ask patients' families to supply bedsheets and syringes.

— rachelle krygier, Washington Post, "Venezuela faces a terrible new crisis: A critical shortage of blood," 8 Mar. 2018
According to the criminal complaint, police found heroin and marijuana, syringes and other drug paraphernalia in his bedroom.

— jane ford-stewart, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Accused drug dealer, 19, pleads guilty to reckless homicide in death of Muskego man, 22," 28 Mar. 2018
Workers collected more than 400 pounds of human waste and more than 2,200 syringes in a two-week period, according to court filings by county attorneys.

— amy taxin, USA TODAY, "Judge intends to visit giant homeless camp in California," 13 Feb. 2018

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

First Known Use of syrinx

1606

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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Medical Dictionary

syrinx

noun syr·inx \ ˈsir-iŋ(k)s \

medical Definition of syrinx

plural syringes play \sə-ˈriŋ-ˌgēz, -ˈrin-ˌjēz\ or syrinxes

1 : the vocal organ of birds that is a special modification of the lower part of the trachea or of the bronchi or of both

2 : a pathological cavity in the brain or spinal cord especially in syringomyelia

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syrinx

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