syrinx

[sir-ingks] /ˈsɪr ɪŋks/
noun, plural syringes
[suh-rin-jeez] /səˈrɪn dʒiz/ (Show IPA), syrinxes.
1.
Ornithology. the vocal organ of birds, situated at or near the bifurcation of the trachea into the bronchi.
2.
(initial capital letter) Classical Mythology. a mountain nymph of Arcadia who was transformed, in order to protect her chastity from Pan, into the reed from which Pan then made the panpipe.
3.
a panpipe.
4.
a narrow corridor in an ancient Egyptian tomb.
Origin
1600-10; (< Latin) < Greek sŷrinx pipe, pipelike object
Examples from the web for syrinx
  • Birds, on the other hand, vocalize through an organ in their throat called the syrinx.
  • A syrinx in the spinal cord or brainstem is sometimes inaccurately referred to as a cyst.
British Dictionary definitions for syrinx

syrinx

/ˈsɪrɪŋks/
noun (pl) syringes (sɪˈrɪndʒiːz), syrinxes
1.
the vocal organ of a bird, which is situated in the lower part of the trachea
2.
(in classical Greek music) a panpipe or set of panpipes
3.
(anatomy) another name for the Eustachian tube
Derived Forms
syringeal (sɪˈrɪndʒɪəl) adjective
Word Origin
C17: via Latin from Greek surinx pipe

Syrinx

/ˈsɪrɪŋks/
noun
1.
(Greek myth) a nymph who was changed into a reed to save her from the amorous pursuit of Pan. From this reed Pan then fashioned his musical pipes
Word Origin and History for syrinx
n.

c.1600, the instrument itself known from 14c. in English, from Late Latin syrinx, from Greek syrinx "shepherd's pipe." Used of vocal organs of birds from 1872.

syrinx in Medicine

syrinx syr·inx (sēr'ĭngks)
n. pl. syr·inx·es or sy·rin·ges (sə-rĭn'jēz, -rĭng'gēz)
A pathological tube-shaped cavity in the brain or spinal cord.