larynx
UK[ˈlær.ɪŋks]US[ˈler.ɪŋks]
n
the hollow muscular organ forming an air passage to the lungs and holding the vocal cords in humans and other mammals; the voice box.
Etymology
the word "larynx" entered english in the late 16th century, borrowed directly from modern latin, which itself took it from the ancient greek word "λάρυγξ" (lárynx), meaning "the upper windpipe" or "gullet." the greek term is of uncertain, possibly pre-greek origin, though some scholars have suggested a connection to proto-indo-european roots meaning "to swallow" or "throat." the anatomical specificity of the term was preserved as it passed through latin into english scientific vocabulary. today, it retains its precise reference to the organ housing the vocal apparatus, a direct inheritance from its classical source without significant semantic shift.
Analysis
the word "larynx" is a simplex loanword from greek. it does not contain separable morphemes in modern english spelling that contribute independent meaning.
Examples
the singer damaged her larynx after years of strenuous performances.
air passes through the larynx, where the vocal cords are located, to produce sound.
the doctor used a laryngoscope to examine the patient's inflamed larynx.