syrinx

noun

syr·​inx ˈsir-iŋ(k)s 

plural syringes sə-ˈriŋ-ˌgēz  -ˈrin-ˌjēz  or syrinxes

1

[Late Latin, from Greek] : panpipe

2

[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

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

syrinx

noun

syr·​inx ˈsir-iŋks 

: the sound-producing organ of birds

Medical Definition

syrinx

noun

syr·​inx ˈsir-iŋ(k)s 

plural syringes 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