“Adam’s Apple” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 9, 2024 by Liam Daniel

The phrase Adam’s apple might be heard often during day to day conversation, but what is the meaning of this term? In this article, we are going to be taking a look at the meaning of this term as well as looking at some examples of how it can be used in a conversation. We will also be looking at where the saying comes from originally.

“Adam’s Apple” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “Adam’s apple” refers to the noticeable bump or protrusion at the front of the throat, particularly in men. It is formed by the thyroid cartilage surrounding the larynx (voice box) and becomes more prominent during puberty, especially in males due to hormonal changes.
Adam's Apple Pin
Adam’s Apple – Created by 7ESL

“Adam’s Apple” Meaning

The term “Adam’s apple” refers to the visible lump or protrusion in the front of the neck, which is more prominent in men. It is formed by the thyroid cartilage surrounding the larynx (voice box) and becomes more noticeable during puberty when the larynx grows and the voice deepens.

Examples:

  • “He has a pronounced Adam’s apple that becomes more noticeable when he talks.”
  • “During puberty, many boys experience changes in their Adam’s apple as their voices deepen.”

Origin of this term

The term Adam’s apple originally comes from the Bible and the story of Even eating a piece of forbidden fruit which is usually referred to as being an apple. The suggestion was that Adam took a bite and the fruit became lodged in his throat causing a lump on the outside.

Usage of “Adam’s Apple”

  • In a medical context:

“During puberty, a boy’s Adam’s apple often becomes more noticeable as his voice deepens.”

  • Describing a physical feature:

“He has a very prominent Adam’s apple, especially when he talks.”

  • Talking about changes during adolescence:

“As he hit his teenage years, his voice changed and his Adam’s apple became more defined.”

  • In a casual conversation:

“She noticed his Adam’s apple moving up and down as he swallowed nervously.”

Related Terms to “Adam’s Apple”

  • Thyroid cartilage – the cartilage that forms the bulk of the larynx and is commonly associated with the Adam’s apple.
  • Larynx – the voice box, which houses the vocal cords and is responsible for voice production.
  • Voice change – the alteration in pitch and tone that occurs during puberty, particularly in boys.
  • Puberty – the developmental stage when physical changes occur, including the growth of the Adam’s apple in males.
  • Prominent – a term used to describe the noticeable projection of the Adam’s apple, particularly in men.
  • Cervical prominence – a more formal term for the Adam’s apple, often used in medical contexts.
  • Masculinity – a concept often associated with the presence of a prominent Adam’s apple as a secondary sexual characteristic.
  • Deep voice – the lower pitch often associated with the development of the Adam’s apple during puberty.
  • Vocal cords – the folds of tissue in the larynx that vibrate to produce sound.
  • Gland – referring to the thyroid gland, which is located near the Adam’s apple and plays a role in metabolism and growth.

Other Ways to Say the Idiom

There may be other ways in which you could refer to the meaning of the term Adam’s apple, let’s take a look at some examples of things you might say.

  • Larynx
  • Throat lump

“Adam’s Apple” Examples

Examples in Statements

Let’s now take a look at some examples of how the term Adam’s apple might work in a sentence.

The first example is one which is being said by a teacher during a class.

  • The larynx grows much larger in boys than it does in girls and is referred to as Adam’s apple.

The next statement is being made by a paramedic at the scene of an accident.

  • The injured person sustained a blow to Adam’s apple rendering him unable to speak.

Conversation Examples

You may hear the term Adam’s apple being used in many different conversations, we are now going to take a look at some times in which you may hear it.

The first conversation is one which is taking place between two friends.

  • Person 1; “My throat is really sore.”
  • Person 2; “Perhaps you have an infection.”
  • Person 2; “No, it feels more on the outside, around my Adam’s apple.”

The next conversation is happening between a father and his young child.

  • Person 1;” Daddy, what is that lump on your neck?”
  • Person 2; “That is my Adam’s apple.”
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