pharynx

[ far-ingks ]
/ ˈfær ɪŋks /

noun, plural pha·ryn·ges [fuh-rin-jeez] /fəˈrɪn dʒiz/, phar·ynx·es. Anatomy.

the tube or cavity, with its surrounding membrane and muscles, that connects the mouth and nasal passages with the esophagus.

Origin of pharynx

1685–95; < New Latin < Greek phárynx throat, akin to pháranx gulf, chasm

Example sentences from the Web for pharynx

British Dictionary definitions for pharynx

pharynx
/ (ˈfærɪŋks) /

noun plural pharynges (fæˈrɪndʒiːz) or pharynxes

the part of the alimentary canal between the mouth and the oesophagus Compare nasopharynx Related adjective: pharyngeal

Word Origin for pharynx

C17: via New Latin from Greek pharunx throat; related to Greek pharanx chasm

Medical definitions for pharynx

pharynx
[ fărĭngks ]

n. pl. phar•ynx•es

The upper section of the alimentary canal that extends from the mouth and nasal cavities to the larynx.

Scientific definitions for pharynx

pharynx
[ fărĭngks ]

Plural pharynges (fə-rĭnjēz) pharynxes

The passage that leads from the cavities of the nose and mouth to the larynx (voice box) and esophagus. Air passes through the pharynx on the way to the lungs, and food enters the esophagus from the pharynx.