pharyngeal

adjective

pha·​ryn·​geal ˌfer-ən-ˈjē-əl How to pronounce pharyngeal (audio)
fa-rən-;
fə-ˈrin-j(ē-)əl How to pronounce pharyngeal (audio)
: relating to or located or produced in the region of the pharynx

Examples of pharyngeal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The posterior pharyngeal muscles at the back of the throat are innervated by the vagus nerve. — Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 May 2026 In women, a quarter of oral cavity, esophageal and pharyngeal cancers were attributable to alcohol consumption. — Isabella Cueto, STAT, 11 July 2024 The review concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support a link between moderate drinking and oral cavity, pharyngeal, esophageal, and laryngeal cancers. — Ars Technica, 17 Jan. 2025 Recognizable by their strong pharyngeal teeth used to crush mollusc shells, black carps can significantly impact local ecosystems by feeding on mussels and snails, and competing with other native benthic fishes like smallmouth buffalo. — Cheyenne Derksen, Oklahoman, 18 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pharyngeal

Word History

Etymology

New Latin pharyngeus "of the pharynx" (from Medieval Latin pharyng-, pharynx pharynx + Latin -eus -eous) + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1754, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pharyngeal was in 1754

Rhymes for pharyngeal

See All Rhymes for pharyngeal

Browse Nearby Words

pharyngal
pharyngeal
pharyngeal basket
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pharyngeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pharyngeal. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pharyngeal

adjective
pha·​ryn·​geal ˌfar-ən-ˈjē-əl How to pronounce pharyngeal (audio) fə-ˈrin-j(ē-)əl How to pronounce pharyngeal (audio)
: relating to, located in, or produced in the region of the pharynx

Medical Definition

pharyngeal

adjective
pha·​ryn·​geal ˌfar-ən-ˈjē-əl How to pronounce pharyngeal (audio) fə-ˈrin-j(ē-)əl How to pronounce pharyngeal (audio)
1
: relating to or located in the region of the pharynx
2
a
: innervating the pharynx especially by contributing to the formation of the pharyngeal plexus
the pharyngeal branch of the vagus nerve
b
: supplying or draining the pharynx
the pharyngeal branch of the maxillary artery
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