auditory nerve

noun

: either of the eighth pair of cranial nerves connecting the inner ear with the brain and transmitting impulses concerned with hearing and balance see ear illustration

Examples of auditory nerve in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web As sound waves stimulate the auditory nerve to send information to the brain, the nerve emits an electric signal. Byhannah Richter, science.org, 30 July 2024 The device, which uses electrodes to stimulate auditory nerves in the inner ear, allows patients to hear sounds, especially those needed to understand speech. Gina Kolata, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2024 Cochlear implants are surgically implanted devices that stimulate the auditory nerve to provide a sense of sound to its wearer. Emily Mullin, WIRED, 24 Jan. 2024 The hair cells send their signals through the auditory nerve to the brain. Jeffrey Kluger, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019 See all Example Sentences for auditory nerve 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'auditory nerve.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1713, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of auditory nerve was in 1713

Dictionary Entries Near auditory nerve

Cite this Entry

“Auditory nerve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/auditory%20nerve. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

auditory nerve

noun
: a nerve connecting the inner ear with the brain and carrying nerve impulses concerned with hearing and balance

Medical Definition

auditory nerve

noun
: either of the eighth pair of cranial nerves connecting the inner ear with the brain, transmitting impulses concerned with hearing and balance, and composed of the cochlear nerve and the vestibular nerve

called also acoustic nerve, auditory, eighth cranial nerve, vestibulocochlear nerve

More from Merriam-Webster on auditory nerve

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!