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

Reinke’s edema is when a noncancerous growth develops in the larynx, affecting the voice. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 14 Sep. 2024

How Cannabis Use May Influence the Risk of Head and Neck Cancers The study authors set out to clarify whether heavy cannabis use has any connection to the risk of head and neck cancers, which can develop in the mouth, nose, sinuses, salivary glands, throat, and larynx (voice box). —Maggie O'Neill, Health, 14 Aug. 2024

These include cancer of the mouth, throat (pharynx and larynx), oesophagus, bowel, liver and breast. —Jasmine Wallis, refinery29.com, 30 May 2024

The most common types of head and neck cancer in both groups were oral cancers and cancer of the larynx. —Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC News, 8 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