Why is it called an adam's apple?
-
1Hi Vijin. The second question is not really relevant to the first.– Matt E. ЭлленMar 11, 2012 at 10:14
-
@MattЭллен,Can i ask that as a separate question.is it worth?– Vijin PaulrajMar 11, 2012 at 10:41
-
The second question is not a good style of question for Stack Exchange, as it just requests a list. I can't think of a way to write the question so it has a single definitive answer. It would be better to find a website about the body and ask there.– Matt E. ЭлленMar 11, 2012 at 11:07
2 Answers
Adam’s apple was used to describe an actual fruit before it was used to describe the lump that men have in their throats. That first occurs in 1625 with the explanation:
They call a man Adam, from our first father Adam, whose wife tempted with the forbidden fruit,‥but as her husband swallowed it, the Hand of God stopped it in his throat, whence a Man hath a Bunch there, which women haue not, called by them Adams apple.
Personally, I've only ever heard one explanation: according to legend, when Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit in the Bible (an "apple") a piece became lodged in his throat; so, Adam's apple. When the legend originated is somewhat of a mystery.
The technical term for the Adam's apple is laryngeal prominence.
-
1
-
@phoog I believe that that is another accepted term for it as well.– user11550Mar 27, 2012 at 0:18