ear
Plural
ears
1
each of the two body parts that we use for hearing
The ear is a sensory organ located on the sides of the head, responsible for both hearing and maintaining balance. It consists of three main parts: the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. The outer ear includes the visible part called the auricle or pinna and the ear canal, which leads to the eardrum. The middle ear contains the eardrum and three tiny bones called the ossicles, which transmit sound vibrations to the inner ear. The inner ear houses the cochlea, a spiral-shaped structure responsible for converting sound into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain. In addition to hearing, the ear also plays a crucial role in our sense of balance and spatial orientation.
- He listened attentively with her hand cupped behind her ear.
- My sister covered her ears with earmuffs to stay warm in the winter.
- She got her ears pierced at the age of ten.
- The soothing melody played softly, creating a pleasant sensation in her ears.
- The mother gently cleaned her baby's ears with a cotton swab.
2
good hearing
4
attention to what is said