larynx

Forms

larynx m (invariable)^[1] Earlier gallicized forms: laryngue (Rabelais, 1532) and laringe (Cotgrave, 1611).^[2][3]

Etymology

It is borrowed from Ancient Greek λάρυγξ (lárunx, “throat, gullet”), first gallicized as laryngue in 1532 and given its Greek form in 1538.^[2][3][4] Wiktionary has it come through Latin larynx.^[1] In Greek the word meant “gullet”, notably of gluttons in the comic poets;^[3] Rey reports the suggestion that it is a blend of φάρυγξ (phárunx) and λαιμός (laimós, “throat”), an expressive word of unknown origin.^[3]

Earliest recorded meaning

Rabelais's Pantagruel (1532) has laryngues et pharingues, for the larynx beside the pharynx; the form larynx is in Jean Canappe's medical translation of 1538.^[2][3]

Semantic evolution

The word has kept its anatomical sense: the organ of phonation, between the pharynx and the trachée.^[3][2] Ambroise Paré in the 16th century calls it the main instrument of the voice and identifies it with what was popularly called le morceau d'Adam.^[5] By a pun on œil de lynx “eagle eye”, the absurd phrase œil de larynx was used for a sharp eye.^[3]

Learned derivatives followed from the 18th century: laryngé (1743), laryngien (1753) and laryngite (1801).^[3][4]

Timeline

• 1532 – Rabelais uses laryngues in Pantagruel.^[2][4]
• 1538 – The form larynx appears in Jean Canappe.^[2][6]
• 1611 – Cotgrave records laringe.^[2]
• 1743 – The adjective laryngé is first recorded.^[3][4]
• 1801 – Laryngite “inflammation of the larynx” appears.^[3]

Meanings

Noun

1. (anatomy) The larynx, the hollow organ of cartilage at the top of the windpipe that holds the vocal cords and is the main organ of the voice.^[7][2][6]

Word family

• laryngé
• laryngien
• laryngite

Related words

• pharynx
• Latin larynx
• Ancient Greek λάρυγξ (lárunx)

Usage notes

Its inflammation is laryngite, its removal laryngectomie; the visible bulge of the larynx in men is the pomme d'Adam.^[7]

References

1. ^ a b c Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
2. ^ a b c d e f g h Trésor de la langue française informatisé (2004), ATILF – CNRS & Université de Lorraine, atilf.fr/tlfi; electronic version of Imbs, Paul; Quemada, Bernard, eds. (1971–1994), Trésor de la langue française, Paris: CNRS / Gallimard
3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Rey, Alain, ed. (1992), Dictionnaire historique de la langue française, Paris: Le Robert
4. ^ a b c d Bloch, Oscar; Wartburg, Walther von (1989), Dictionnaire étymologique de la langue française, 8th ed., Paris: Presses universitaires de France
5. ^ Littré, Émile (1873–1877), Dictionnaire de la langue française, 4 vols. and supplement, Paris: Hachette
6. ^ a b Guilbert, Louis; Lagane, René; Niobey, Georges, eds. (1971–1978; 1989), Grand Larousse de la langue française, Paris: Larousse
7. ^ a b Rey-Debove, Josette; Rey, Alain, eds. (2007), Le Petit Robert de la langue française, Paris: Le Robert