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.
- a similar vocal organ in other mammals.
- a corresponding structure in certain lower animals.
Origin of larynx
1570–80; < New Latin < Greek
lárynx
Words nearby larynx
Example sentences from the Web for larynx
British Dictionary definitions for larynx
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 larynx
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 larynx
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 adjectiveCultural definitions for larynx
larynx
[ (lar-ingks) ]
The specialized upper portion of the trachea that contains the vocal cords; the voice box.