inner ear

noun

: the essential organ of hearing and equilibrium that is located in the temporal bone, is innervated by the auditory nerve, and includes the vestibule, the semicircular canals, and the cochlea

Examples of inner ear in a Sentence

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Surgically inserting a shunt (a small tube) into the inner ear can drain fluid to improve hearing and tinnitus symptoms. Carley Millhone, Health, 20 Oct. 2024 Antihistamines target the balancing center in the inner ear. Marlene Cimons, Washington Post, 29 June 2024 While some parts of the ear can repair themselves, the inner ear cannot. Jillian Hubertz, Discover Magazine, 5 Oct. 2024 The two most common types of inner ear infections are labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis. Rachael Zimlich, Bsn, Rn, Verywell Health, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inner ear 

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inner ear was in 1855

Dictionary Entries Near inner ear

Cite this Entry

“Inner ear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inner%20ear. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

inner ear

noun
: the part of the ear that is most important for hearing, is located in a cavity in the temporal bone, and contains the ends of the nerves which send nerve impulses concerned with hearing and balance to the brain

Medical Definition

inner ear

noun
: the essential part of the vertebrate organ of hearing and equilibrium that typically is located in the temporal bone, is innervated by the auditory nerve, and includes the vestibule, the semicircular canals, and the cochlea

called also internal ear

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