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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
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
The most severe injury she’s seen from a bug was an outer ear infection.
—Jonathan Edwards, Washington Post, 1 Nov. 2023
The more microorganisms and moisture in your ear, the greater the risk for an infection, research suggests, including otitis media (an infection in the middle ear behind the eardrum) or otitis externa (an infection in the outer ear canal).
—Julia Ries, SELF, 27 July 2023
See all Example Sentences for outer ear
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'outer ear.' 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
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 30 Oct. 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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