ˈfariŋ(k)s, -rēŋ- also ˈfer-, substand ˈfärniks or ˈfȧn- or -nēks noun
( plural pha·ryn·ges fəˈrin(ˌ)jēz ; also pharynxes )
Etymology: New Latin pharyng-, pharynx, from Greek, throat, pharynx; akin to Old Norse barki throat, windpipe, Latin frumen larynx, throat, Greek pharanx gully, chasm, Latin forare to bore — more at bore
1.
a. : the part of the alimentary canal between the cavity of the mouth and the esophagus that is in man a conical musculomembranous tube about four and a half inches long, continuous above the mouth and nasal passages, communicating through the eustachian tubes with the ears, and extending downward past the opening into the larynx to the lower border of the cricoid cartilage where it is continuous with the esophagus
b. : the corresponding part of the alimentary canal in which the gills of water-breathing vertebrates are lodged
2. : a differentiated part of the alimentary canal in many invertebrates that is commonly thickened and muscular or in some worms eversible and toothed or adapted as a suctorial organ