inner ear

noun

: the essential organ of hearing and equilibrium that is located in the temporal bone, is innervated by the auditory nerve, and includes the vestibule, the semicircular canals, and the cochlea

Examples of inner ear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The two most common types of inner ear infections are labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis. Rachael Zimlich, Bsn, Rn, Verywell Health, 21 Oct. 2024 This temporary shift in hearing could lead to permanent harm to inner ear structures and ultimately damage your hearing. Jillian Hubertz, Discover Magazine, 5 Oct. 2024 The results, published Wednesday in the journal Science Advances, concluded that the fragment likely came from the inner ear of a 6-year-old. Frances Vinall, Washington Post, 27 June 2024 The vestibular system, in particular, is a series of semicircular canals located in your inner ear, Besser says. Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inner ear 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inner 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

1855, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inner ear was in 1855

Dictionary Entries Near inner ear

Cite this Entry

“Inner ear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inner%20ear. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

inner ear

noun
: the part of the ear that is most important for hearing, is located in a cavity in the temporal bone, and contains the ends of the nerves which send nerve impulses concerned with hearing and balance to the brain

Medical Definition

inner ear

noun
: the essential part of the vertebrate organ of hearing and equilibrium that typically is located in the temporal bone, is innervated by the auditory nerve, and includes the vestibule, the semicircular canals, and the cochlea

called also internal ear

More from Merriam-Webster on inner ear

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