ossicle

noun

os·​si·​cle ˈä-si-kəl How to pronounce ossicle (audio)
: a small bone or bony structure (such as the malleus, incus, or stapes)
ossicular adjective

Examples of ossicle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Without ossicles, ancient mammals might have been merely dinner for larger predators—or died off from starvation—rather than becoming our distant ancestors. Jim Daley, Scientific American, 5 Dec. 2019 Once your eardrum starts vibrating, the ossicles in your middle ear start vibrating, too. Amber Brenza, SELF, 4 Feb. 2018 The auditory ossicles of the middle ear – the malleus, incus and stapes – are the tiniest bones in the human body. Emily Matchar, Smithsonian, 18 Dec. 2017

Word History

Etymology

Latin ossiculum, diminutive of oss-, os

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ossicle was in 1578

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ossicle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ossicle. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

ossicle

noun
os·​si·​cle ˈäs-i-kəl How to pronounce ossicle (audio)
: a small bone or bony structure (as one of the three small bones of the middle ear)
Etymology

Latin, literally, "small bone"

Medical Definition

ossicle

noun
os·​si·​cle ˈäs-i-kəl How to pronounce ossicle (audio)
: a small bone or bony structure
especially : any of three small bones of the middle ear including the malleus, incus, and stapes
ossicular adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on ossicle

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!