syrinx

[ sir-ingks ]
/ ˈsɪr ɪŋks /

noun, plural sy·rin·ges [suh-rin-jeez] /səˈrɪn dʒiz/, syr·inx·es.

Ornithology. the vocal organ of birds, situated at or near the bifurcation of the trachea into the bronchi.
(initial capital letter) Classical Mythology. a mountain nymph of Arcadia who was transformed, in order to protect her chastity from Pan, into the reed from which Pan then made the panpipe.
a panpipe.
a narrow corridor in an ancient Egyptian tomb.

Origin of syrinx

1600–10; (< Latin) < Greek sŷrinx pipe, pipelike object

Words nearby syrinx

syringoma, syringomeningocele, syringomyelia, syringomyelocele, syringotomy, syrinx, syro-, syros, syrphid, syrphid fly, syrtis major

Example sentences from the Web for syrinx

British Dictionary definitions for syrinx (1 of 2)

syrinx
/ (ˈsɪrɪŋks) /

noun plural syringes (sɪˈrɪndʒiːz) or syrinxes

the vocal organ of a bird, which is situated in the lower part of the trachea
(in classical Greek music) a panpipe or set of panpipes
anatomy another name for the Eustachian tube

Derived forms of syrinx

syringeal (sɪˈrɪndʒɪəl), adjective

Word Origin for syrinx

C17: via Latin from Greek surinx pipe

British Dictionary definitions for syrinx (2 of 2)

Syrinx
/ (ˈsɪrɪŋks) /

noun

Greek myth a nymph who was changed into a reed to save her from the amorous pursuit of Pan. From this reed Pan then fashioned his musical pipes

Medical definitions for syrinx

syrinx
[ sîr′ĭngks ]

n. pl. syr•inx•es

A pathological tube-shaped cavity in the brain or spinal cord.