Otorhinolaryngologist
/ˌoʊ.toʊˌraɪ.noʊˌlær.ɪŋˈɡɒl.ə.dʒɪst/noun
A physician specializing in disorders of the ear, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck.
Did you know?Its name preserves several ancient Greek medical terms, showing how modern medicine often builds technical vocabulary from classical language rather than inventing entirely new words.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
οὖς (ous), ὠτός (ōtos)
“Ear; the form ōtos became the combining form meaning “ear”.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ῥίς (rhis), ῥινός (rhinos)
“Nose; rhinos supplied the combining form meaning “nose.””
Ancient Greek
Greek
λάρυγξ (larynx), λάρυγγος (laryngos)
“The larynx or voice box, literally the throat structure.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
-λογία (-logia), -λόγος (-logos)
“Study, discourse, or one who studies a subject.”
19th–20th Century
Medical English
otorhinolaryngology
“The medical specialty concerned with diseases of the ear, nose, and throat.”
Modern English
English
otorhinolaryngologist
“A specialist physician in otorhinolaryngology.”
Explore more surprising origins