malleus

noun mal·le·us \ ˈma-lē-əs \

Definition of malleus

plural mallei play \-lē-ˌī, -lē-ˌē\

: the outermost of a chain of three small bones of the mammalian middle ear — called also hammer; see ear illustration

Recent Examples of malleus from the Web

The auditory ossicles of the middle ear – the malleus, incus and stapes – are the tiniest bones in the human body.

— emily matchar, Smithsonian, "Doctors Are 3D Printing Ear Bones To Help With Hearing Loss," 18 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'malleus.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of malleus

New Latin, from Latin, hammer

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1646

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

malleus

noun mal·le·us \ ˈmal-ē-əs \

medical Definition of malleus

plural mallei play \-ē-ˌī, -ē-ˌē\

: the outermost of the chain of three ossicles in the middle ear of a mammal consisting of a head, neck, short process, long process, and handle with the short process and handle being fastened to the tympanic membrane and the head articulating with the head of the incus — called also hammer