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Cochlea: meaning, definitions and examples

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cochlea

 

[ ˈkɒkliə ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

anatomy, hearing

The cochlea is a spiral-shaped, fluid-filled structure located in the inner ear that plays a crucial role in the auditory system. It converts sound vibrations into electrical signals, which are then transmitted to the brain via the auditory nerve. This process is essential for our ability to perceive sound. The cochlea is divided into three main chambers: the scala vestibuli, scala media, and scala tympani. Damage to the cochlea can result in hearing loss or impairment.

Synonyms

auditory labyrinth, inner ear

Examples of usage

  • The cochlea processes sound waves into signals.
  • Issues with the cochlea can lead to hearing difficulties.
  • Doctors examine the cochlea during hearing tests.

Translations

Translations of the word "cochlea" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cóclea

🇮🇳 कोक्लीया

🇩🇪 Cochlea

🇮🇩 koklea

🇺🇦 равлик

🇵🇱 ślimak

🇯🇵 蝸牛 (かぎゅう)

🇫🇷 cochlée

🇪🇸 cóclea

🇹🇷 koklea

🇰🇷 와우 (와우)

🇸🇦 قوقعة

🇨🇿 hlemýžď

🇸🇰 hlemýžď

🇨🇳 耳蜗 (ěr wō)

🇸🇮 polž

🇮🇸 snigill

🇰🇿 құлақ раковинасы

🇬🇪 ყურის მარცვალი

🇦🇿 qulaq spiralı

🇲🇽 caracol

Word origin

The term 'cochlea' comes from the Latin word 'cochlea', which means 'snail'. This name was chosen due to the cochlea's spiral shape that resembles a snail shell. The use of 'cochlea' to describe this part of the ear dates back to the early 18th century, as the field of anatomy began to develop more systematic nomenclature. The Latin term is derived from the Greek 'kokhlēia', which itself is derived from 'kokhlos', meaning 'snail'. Over centuries, as studies of the inner ear have advanced, the understanding of the cochlea's function in hearing has become more precise, particularly in the 19th century, when scientists began to explore the connection between sound waves, vibrations, and neural signals.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,183, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.