pharyngo-

Pharyngo– is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “pharynx.” The pharynx is the tube or cavity that connects the mouth or nasal passages with the esophagus. Pharyngo– is occasionally used in medical terms, especially in pathology.

Pharyngo– comes from Greek phárynx, meaning “throat.” Pharynx is not related to larynx, a portion of the throat, from Greek lárynx, meaning “upper windpipe”; however, because the definitions of phárynx and lárynx are so similar, it is possible that the spelling of larynx was influenced long ago by that of pharynx. To learn more, check out our entries for both words.

What are variants of pharyngo-?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, pharyngo– becomes pharyng–, as in pharyngitis. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use article about pharyng-.

An example of a scientific term that features pharyngo– is pharyngology, “the science of the pharynx and its diseases.”

We know pharyngo– means “pharynx,” and the –logy portion of the word refers to “study” or “science,” from Greek logía. Pharyngology literally means “pharynx science.”

What are some words that use the combining form pharyngo-?

• pharyngocele
• pharyngolith
• pharyngonasal
• pharyngoscope
• pharyngoscopy

What are some other forms that pharyngo– may be commonly confused with?

• laryngo-
• phago-
• pharmaco-

The combining form –scope means “instrument for viewing.” With this in mind, what is a pharyngoscope used for?