nasopharynx
noun
na·so·phar·ynx
ˌnā-zō-ˈfer-iŋ(k)s 
-ˈfa-riŋ(k)s
: the upper part of the pharynx continuous with the nasal passages
Examples of nasopharynx in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
An analysis of viral samples from around the state showed that compared with people infected with other strains of SARS-CoV-2, those who were infected with the California strain had viral loads in the nasopharynx that were twice as high.
—
Melissa Healy, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2021
The inside of the nose remains mysterious to many, and the nasopharynx— the area way in the back of the nose, up behind the roof of the mouth, is a nether region that few besides otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat specialists) approach.
—Nina Shapiro, Forbes, 31 Jan. 2022
Some speculate that the requirement for endosomal entry and the absence of cell-to-cell fusion may be part of replicating preferentially in the nasopharynx instead of the deep lung.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 28 Jan. 2022
At the back of this cavity — more or less in line with your earlobe — is your nasopharynx, where the back of your nose meets the top of your throat.
—New York Times, 18 Nov. 2021
The endpoint of efficacy of the vaccine is preventing clinically apparent disease, which means that you could get infected, have nasopharynx virus in your nose and in your mouth.
—CBS News, 28 Feb. 2021
There was a recent study from Israel to show that the level of virus in the nasopharynx of vaccinated people is extremely low.
—CBS News, 28 Feb. 2021
An analysis of viral samples from around the state showed that, compared with people infected with other strains of SARS-CoV-2, those who were infected with the California strain had viral loads in the nasopharynx that were twice as high.
—Melissa Healy, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2021
The gold standard for confirming an active COVID-19 infection is to take a swab from the nasopharynx and test it for the presence of viral RNA.
—Kaiser Health News, The Denver Post, 28 May 2020
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Melissa Healy, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2021
The inside of the nose remains mysterious to many, and the nasopharynx— the area way in the back of the nose, up behind the roof of the mouth, is a nether region that few besides otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat specialists) approach.
—Nina Shapiro, Forbes, 31 Jan. 2022
Some speculate that the requirement for endosomal entry and the absence of cell-to-cell fusion may be part of replicating preferentially in the nasopharynx instead of the deep lung.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 28 Jan. 2022
At the back of this cavity — more or less in line with your earlobe — is your nasopharynx, where the back of your nose meets the top of your throat.
—New York Times, 18 Nov. 2021
The endpoint of efficacy of the vaccine is preventing clinically apparent disease, which means that you could get infected, have nasopharynx virus in your nose and in your mouth.
—CBS News, 28 Feb. 2021
There was a recent study from Israel to show that the level of virus in the nasopharynx of vaccinated people is extremely low.
—CBS News, 28 Feb. 2021
An analysis of viral samples from around the state showed that, compared with people infected with other strains of SARS-CoV-2, those who were infected with the California strain had viral loads in the nasopharynx that were twice as high.
—Melissa Healy, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2021
The gold standard for confirming an active COVID-19 infection is to take a swab from the nasopharynx and test it for the presence of viral RNA.
—Kaiser Health News, The Denver Post, 28 May 2020
Cite this Entry
“Nasopharynx.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nasopharynx. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
nasopharynx
noun
na·so·phar·ynx
-ˈfar-iŋ(k)s
plural nasopharynges
-fə-ˈrin-(ˌ)jēz
also nasopharynxes
also nasopharynxes
: the upper part of the pharynx continuous with the nasal passages compare laryngopharynx
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share