Anat. Pl. larynges. Also 6–7 larinx, 6 laringa. [a. Gr. λάρυγξ, mod.L. larynx.] A cavity in the throat with cartilaginous walls, containing the vocal cords, by means of which sounds are produced. In man and most animals this cavity forms the upper part of the trachea or wind-pipe. In birds there are two larynges, one at each end of the trachea; the lower of these, called SYRINX, is the true organ of sound.
1578. Banister, Hist. Man, I. 16 b. This Larinx is the Organ, by which we receiue and put forth breath; as also of makyng and fourmyng voyce.
1597. A. M., trans. Guillemeau’s Fr. Chirurg., 19/2. Muscles situated aboute the Laringa.
1633. P. Fletcher, Purple Isl., IV. 45, note. The Larynx, or coveryng of the winde-pipe is a grisly substance.
1732. Arbuthnot, Rules of Diet, 387. The Ulcer may break suddenly into the Larynx with the danger of Suffocation.
1802. Paley, Nat. Theol., x. § 5. The larynx … besides its other uses, is also a musical instrument.
1881. Mivart, Cat, 223. At its front end the trachea expands into a membranous and cartilaginous box-like structure called the larynx.
1900. Westm. Gaz., 20 June, 1/2. Splendid lungs and larynges which had never known a London fog.
attrib. 1861. Braithwaite’s Retrosp. Med., XLII. 88. The observer … introduces the larynx-speculum.
