larynx

noun

lar·​ynx ˈler-iŋ(k)s 

ˈla-riŋ(k)s

plural larynges lə-ˈrin-(ˌ)jēz  or larynxes

: the modified upper part of the trachea of air-breathing vertebrates that in humans, most other mammals, and some amphibians and reptiles contains the vocal cords

Examples of larynx in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Aerosmith only got three shows into their swan song outing last year before having to reschedule the tour due to an injury to Tyler’s larynx. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 5 Aug. 2024

The Peace Out Tour abruptly was postponed in September because of Tyler’s ongoing vocal cord and larynx problems. —Bruce Haring, Deadline, 2 Aug. 2024

Birds’ vocal apparatus is more complex than ours: unlike humans, who produce sounds through a larynx, birds use a syrinx, which contains two sound-generation elements that can produce a range of frequencies. —The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024

Tyler, now 76, suffered a fractured larynx three shows into the group's Peace Out Tour, forcing postponement of the goodbye run. —Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press, 3 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin laryng-, larynx, from Greek

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

larynx

noun

lar·​ynx ˈlar-iŋ(k)s 

plural larynges lə-ˈrin-(ˌ)jēz  or larynxes

: the upper part of the trachea that in human beings and most mammals contains the vocal cords

called also voice box

Medical Definition

larynx

noun

lar·​ynx ˈlar-iŋ(k)s 

plural larynges lə-ˈrin-(ˌ)jēz  or larynxes

: the modified upper part of the respiratory passage of air-breathing vertebrates that is bounded above by the glottis, is continuous below with the trachea, has a complex cartilaginous or bony skeleton capable of limited motion through the action of associated muscles, and in humans, most other mammals, and a few lower forms has a set of elastic vocal cords that play a major role in sound production and speech

called also voice box