larynx

[ lar-ingks ]
/ ˈlær ɪŋks /

noun, plural la·ryn·ges [luh-rin-jeez] /ləˈrɪn dʒiz/, lar·ynx·es.

Anatomy. a muscular and cartilaginous structure lined with mucous membrane at the upper part of the trachea in humans, in which the vocal cords are located.
Zoology.
  1. a similar vocal organ in other mammals.
  2. a corresponding structure in certain lower animals.

Origin of larynx

1570–80; < New Latin < Greek lárynx

Words nearby larynx

laryngotracheal, laryngotracheitis, laryngotracheobronchitis, laryngotracheotomy, laryngoxerosis, larynx, las casas, las cruces, las palmas, las vegas, las vegas night

Words related to larynges

esophagus, gullet, maw, passage, gorge, pharynx, trachea, windpipe, thorax, fauces, throat, voice

British Dictionary definitions for larynges

larynx
/ (ˈlærɪŋks) /

noun plural larynges (ləˈrɪndʒiːz) or larynxes

a cartilaginous and muscular hollow organ forming part of the air passage to the lungs: in higher vertebrates it contains the vocal cords

Word Origin for larynx

C16: from New Latin larynx, from Greek larunx

Medical definitions for larynges

larynx
[ lăr′ĭngks ]

n. pl. lar•ynx•es

The part of the respiratory tract between the pharynx and the trachea, having walls of cartilage and muscle and containing the vocal cords enveloped in folds of mucous membrane.

Scientific definitions for larynges

larynx
[ lăr′ĭngks ]

Plural larynges (lə-rĭn′jēz) larynxes

The upper part of the trachea in most vertebrate animals, containing the vocal cords. The walls of the larynx are made of cartilage. Sound is produced by air passing through the larynx on the way to the lungs, causing the walls of the larynx to vibrate. The pitch of the sound that is produced can be altered by the pull of muscles, which changes the tension of the vocal cords. Also called voice box

Other words from larynx

laryngeal adjective

Cultural definitions for larynges

larynx
[ (lar-ingks) ]

The specialized upper portion of the trachea that contains the vocal cords; the voice box.