HealthAugust 8, 2026

laryngitis

lar-in-JY-tis

Definition

An inflammation of the larynx, typically resulting in hoarseness or the loss of the ability to speak.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'larynx' (upper part of the windpipe) combined with the suffix '-itis,' which denotes inflammation. It entered medical English in the early 19th century.

In the news

The article uses the term metaphorically to describe the communicative silence that occurs when someone suddenly ceases all digital interaction, mirroring the physical inability to voice one's presence.

The Epidemic of Social Ghosting

Read the full article ↗

The Sunday Paper

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