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laryngeal

C2
adjective

Pronunciation

UK

  • /lˈærɪndʒˌiəl/

US

  • /ˌlɑˈrɪnˌdʒiəl/

Description

Imagine you're a singer: the parts that help shape sound in your voice box are part of this area. The word "laryngeal" simply means "relating to the larynx," also known as the voice box. It refers to the structures in that part of the neck that help with breathing and making sound.

Doctors use "laryngeal" when talking about conditions affecting this area, like a laryngeal spasm (a sudden tightening in the voice box) or laryngeal cancer. You might also hear it in discussions about singing technique, because the larynx matters a lot for healthy sound. It's not a word most people use in everyday conversation, but if someone mentions "laryngeal discomfort," they mean a problem affecting the voice box area.

Examples

  1. 1

    Medical exam

    The doctor checked for laryngeal swelling after Maya complained of a hoarse voice.

  2. 2

    Cancer treatment

    He needed speech therapy after surgery for laryngeal cancer.

  3. 3

    Nerve damage

    A damaged laryngeal nerve can make the voice weak or breathy.

  4. 4

    Phonetics class

    In phonetics class, we studied how laryngeal muscles affect pitch and voicing.

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • laryngealadjective