Auricle: meaning, definitions and examples

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auricle

 

[ ˈɔːrɪkəl ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

anatomy part

The auricle, also known as the pinna, is the external part of the ear that is visible. It serves to capture sound waves and funnel them into the ear canal, playing a crucial role in the hearing process. The auricle is predominantly made up of cartilage, and its unique shape helps to enhance the directionality of sound, aiding in locating the source of sounds around us. It also plays a minor role in protecting the inner parts of the ear from debris and foreign objects.

Synonyms

ear, outer ear, pinna

Examples of usage

  • The auricle collects sound waves.
  • He touched his auricle to adjust his earphone.
  • The auricle contributes to sound localization.
  • She studied the anatomy of the auricle in her biology class.

Translations

Translations of the word "auricle" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aurícula

🇮🇳 कान का खोल

🇩🇪 Ohrmuschel

🇮🇩 aurikula

🇺🇦 вушна раковина

🇵🇱 małżowina uszna

🇯🇵 耳介

🇫🇷 auricule

🇪🇸 aurícula

🇹🇷 kulak kepçesi

🇰🇷 귓바퀴

🇸🇦 الأذن الخارجية

🇨🇿 ušní boltec

🇸🇰 ušný boltček

🇨🇳 耳廓

🇸🇮 ušesna školjka

🇮🇸 eyrnasnekkja

🇰🇿 құлақ раковинасы

🇬🇪 ყურის მოჭრილი

🇦🇿 qulaq qapağı

🇲🇽 aurícula

Word origin

The word 'auricle' derives from the Latin 'auricula,' which is a diminutive form of 'auris,' meaning 'ear.' The term has been used since the 14th century to refer to the external part of the ear. In artistic and medical contexts, the term was often utilized to describe the heart's atrial structures, which resemble ears. Over time, the term has been adapted to encompass various meanings in different fields, particularly in anatomy and biology. Today, 'auricle' is primarily associated with the visible part of the ear in both medical terminology and common vernacular. Its adoption in various languages has also cemented its relevance in discussions about auditory anatomy.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,586, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.