First Known Use: 1578
Dictionary
larynx
noun lar·ynx \ˈler-iŋ(k)s, ˈla-riŋ(k)s\
medical : the part of your throat that contains the vocal cords
plural la·ryn·ges \lə-ˈrin-(ˌ)jēz\ or lar·ynx·es
Full Definition of LARYNX
: 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
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Origin of LARYNX
New Latin laryng-, larynx, from Greek
Other Anatomy Terms
LARYNGES Defined for Kids
larynx
noun lar·ynx \ˈler-iŋks\
plural la·ryn·ges \lə-ˈrin-ˌjēz\ or lar·ynx·es
Definition of LARYNX for Kids
: the upper part of the trachea that contains the vocal cords
Medical Dictionary
larynx
noun lar·ynx \ˈlar-iŋ(k)s\
plural la·ryn·ges \lə-ˈrin-(ˌ)jēz\ or lar·ynx·es
Medical Definition of LARYNX
: 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
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