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outer ear
noun
: the outer visible portion of the ear that collects and directs sound waves toward the tympanic membrane by way of a canal which extends inward through the temporal bone
Examples of outer ear in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The main one is contact—that is, how designers can ensure adequate continuous contact between an earbud and the skin of the outer ear canal.
—IEEE Spectrum, 1 May 2019
What Is an Ear Infection? Types of Inner Ear Infections
The ear has three distinct sections: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear.
—Rachael Zimlich, Bsn, Rn, Verywell Health, 21 Oct. 2024
Although evidence is mixed, researchers found stimulating points in the outer ear—auricular acupuncture—to help with quitting smoking when combined with other methods.13
Mindfulness: Another method that may help people quit tobacco is mindfulness.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 26 Sep. 2024
More than a quarter-century after scientists first grew a humanlike ear on the back of a mouse, surgeons in San Antonio have successfully used a 3D printer to reconstruct an outer ear made of living cells for a young woman with a congenital ear deformity—no creepy-looking mice required.
—IEEE Spectrum, 7 June 2022
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Word History
First Known Use
1701, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near outer ear
Cite this Entry
“Outer ear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outer%20ear. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
outer ear
noun
: the outer visible part of the ear that collects and directs sound waves toward the eardrum by way of a canal through the temporal bone
Medical Definition
outer ear
noun
out·er ear
ˈau̇t-ər-
: the outer visible portion of the ear that collects and directs sound waves toward the tympanic membrane by way of a canal which extends inward through the temporal bone
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