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

Murthy noted that consuming alcohol increases the risk of liver, breast, esophageal, colorectal, esophageal, larynx, mouth and throat cancers. —Amy McGorry, Fox News, 25 Jan. 2025

The team discovered more of this lipid-rich cartilage in the mouse nose, larynx, and sternum. —Bymitch Leslie, science.org, 9 Jan. 2025

In addition to overall HNC cases, the researchers looked at the following subtypes: oral cavity cancer (lip, tongue, gum, floor of the mouth, and hard palate), cancer of the oropharynx, cancer of the hypopharynx, and cancer of the larynx. —New Atlas, 30 Dec. 2024

However, drinking more than a cup of tea daily was associated with a higher chance of getting laryngeal cancer — which forms in the larynx, the part of the throat that controls the vocal cords, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). —Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 25 Dec. 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