pharyngeal
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /fəˈrɪn.dʒi.əl/
KK: /fɛrɪnˈdʒiəl/
adjective
Definition
Related to the part of the throat behind the mouth and nasal cavity.
Example
The doctor examined the pharyngeal area to check for any signs of infection.
Conversation
Have you ever heard about pharyngeal reflexes?
No, what are they?
They're responses that happen in the throat area, like when you gag.
That sounds interesting! I didn't know our bodies had such specific reactions.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
throat
oral
nasopharyngeal
Antonyms
nonthroat
external
superficial
noun
Definition
A sound made in the throat area, specifically in the pharynx, which is part of the vocal tract.
Example
The teacher explained how to produce a pharyngeal sound in speech.
Conversation
Did you know that some languages have a sound called pharyngeal?
Really? I had no idea what that meant.
Yeah, it's produced in the pharynx and can be quite unique.
Root Explanation
Pharyngeal → It is formed from "pharynx" (from Greek "pharynx", meaning throat) and "-eal" (a suffix used to form adjectives meaning pertaining to). The word "pharyngeal" refers to something that pertains to the throat.
Memory Tip
Think of the Greek word for throat, 'pharynx', to remember that 'pharyngeal' means related to the throat.
Visually Confused Words
subpharyngeal
otopharyngeal
oropharyngeal
epipharyngeal
laryngeal
postpharyngeal
peripharyngeal
nasopharyngeal