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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
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Word History
First Known Use
1713, in the meaning defined above
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 25 Nov. 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
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about auditory nerve
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