What does laryngoscope mean?
A laryngoscope is a medical instrument used to look into the throat and examine the larynx, the structure containing the vocal cords. Its name combines the root for “larynx” with “-scope,” meaning an instrument for viewing. In modern medicine, a laryngoscope is especially important during intubation, when a clinician places an endotracheal tube through the mouth and into the trachea. The instrument provides a direct view that can help the practitioner identify the vocal cords and guide the tube into the correct position. The word is technical and normally appears in medical, nursing, anaesthesiology, and emergency-care contexts. Although the basic instrument is associated with examination of the voice box, modern video laryngoscopes also display the airway on a screen. The term is thus both a familiar name for a diagnostic and intubation device and a reminder of how medical vocabulary combines anatomical terms with Greek-derived names for instruments.
nounA medical instrument used to examine and visualize the larynx, or voice box, usually by placing it through the mouth. It is also used to guide the placement of a breathing tube during intubation.
- A medical instrument for examining the larynx, especially to visualize the vocal cords during airway assessment or intubation.
"The anaesthetist used a laryngoscope to guide the endotracheal tube into the patient's airway."
"The doctor gently inserted the laryngoscope to examine the patient's vocal cords."
"Video laryngoscopes are commonly used in emergency departments when a patient's airway is difficult to see."
The standard plural is used when referring to more than one laryngoscope or multiple units of equipment.
"The hospital kept several laryngoscopes ready for emergency airway procedures."
A laryngoscope turns the hidden voice box into a visible landmark, helping clinicians guide a breathing tube safely into the airway.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does laryngoscope come from?
The word is formed from the combining form laryngo-, derived from the Greek larunx, meaning “larynx” or “windpipe,” together with the Greek-derived suffix -scope, meaning an instrument for viewing. The medical term developed as physicians gained the ability to inspect the larynx directly rather than infer its condition from a patient's voice or breathing alone. Its related English words include larynx, laryngeal, laryngitis, laryngology, laryngoscopy, and laryngoscopic.
Related word forms
How laryngoscope is actually used
This is primarily a formal medical term. In clinical settings, it usually refers to a handheld or video device used to visualize the larynx and facilitate endotracheal intubation.
Easily confused with laryngoscope
A laryngoscope is the instrument used to view the larynx, whereas laryngoscopy is the medical examination or procedure performed with such an instrument.