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noun

larynx

LA-rihngks

Larynx (noun) means the part of the throat containing the vocal cords, involved in producing sound and protecting the airway. Example: “A blow to the larynx can make it hard to breathe or speak.”

noun
1
The part of the throat containing the vocal cords, involved in producing sound and protecting the airway.
"A blow to the larynx can make it hard to breathe or speak."

How to use larynx

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe voice box — the part of your throat that lets you make sounds.

Easily confused with
Common pairings
damage to the larynx larynx cancer

Word forms

larynges plural, larynxes plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A blow to the _____ can make it hard to breathe or speak.

Etymology

Borrowed via New Latin from Ancient Greek larynx, meaning "throat" or "windpipe."

Origin: Ancient Greek

voice box

Frequently asked questions

What does “larynx” mean?

The word “larynx” means the part of the throat containing the vocal cords, involved in producing sound and protecting the airway. In plain terms, the voice box — the part of your throat that lets you make sounds.

How do you pronounce “larynx”?

“Larynx” is pronounced LA-rihngks (/ˈlɛɹ.ɪŋks/ in IPA).

How do you use “larynx” in a sentence?

Here is “larynx” used in a sentence: “A blow to the larynx can make it hard to breathe or speak.”

What part of speech is “larynx”?

“Larynx” is a noun.

Where does the word “larynx” come from?

The word “larynx” comes from Ancient Greek. Borrowed via New Latin from Ancient Greek larynx, meaning "throat" or "windpipe.".

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