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Glite Dictionary
laryngocele

laryngocele

9.9
A swelling of the voice box filled with air that makes the voice hoarse or breathing difficult
  • noun
  • /ˌlɛrɪŋˈoʊsiːl/
  • Specialized
: laringocela
  • The doctor explained that a laryngocele is an abnormal swelling in the larynx filled with air.
  • laryngocele and retention cysts

Examples

  • The differential diagnosis includes branchial cyst, thyroglossal cyst, dermoid cyst, lipoma, laryngocele, thyroid mass, and hemangioma.

    Academic text (2010)

  • Clinically, they can be difficult to differentiate from other benign lesions such as laryngoceles and retention cysts.

    Academic text (2005)

  • A laryngocele can lead to hoarseness due to the pressure it exerts on the vocal cords.

  • After examining the patient's throat, the specialist determined that the laryngocele was the cause of his breathing difficulties.

Surface Forms

laryngocele singular
laryngoceles plural

Morphology

laryngocele = larynx (opaque) = laryng + cele

Although analyzable as laryng(o)- (larynx) + -cele (swelling/hernia), '-cele' is a technical combining form unfamiliar to average learners, so the compound's meaning is not derivable for most B1 learners.

Etymology

Laryngocele comes from Greek parts laryng- 'voice box' and -cele 'swelling' or 'pocket', and laryng- is the same root as larynx. So, a laryngocele is a pocket of air that makes a swelling in the voice box, which can make the voice hoarse or make breathing hard.