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

Doctors initially suspected carcinoma after scans showed a mass on his larynx — but a biopsy sample ultimately tested positive for a histoplasmosis infection. —Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 17 Dec. 2024

Tyler suffered a vocal injury that included a fractured larynx and vocal cord damage. —Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 10 Apr. 2024

The 59-year-old man was admitted to Strong Memorial Hospital, where he was initially believed to have carcinoma due to a mass on his larynx. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 3 Sep. 2019

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

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