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

Weeks later, the entire farewell run was delayed indefinitely when the singer was diagnosed with a more serious fractured larynx. —Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press, 10 Apr. 2024

Coroner Isobel O'Dea confirmed to PEOPLE that 67-year-old Brendan Glynn died as a result of impaction of the larynx. —Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 3 June 2024

The upper airway includes the larynx (voice box), pharynx (throat), and trachea (windpipe).2 Irritated Lungs Inflammation, which is an immune response to infection or injury, is a common cause of irritated lungs. —Amanda Gardner, Health, 1 June 2024

Your vocal cords are two muscular bands that sit in your larynx, above your windpipe. —Angela Roberts, Baltimore Sun, 22 Feb. 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