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pinna

noun
pin·​na | \ ˈpi-nə \
plural pinnae\ ˈpi-​ˌnē , -​ˌnī \ or pinnas

Definition of pinna

1a : a projecting body part (such as a feather, wing, or fin)
b : the largely cartilaginous projecting portion of the external ear — see ear illustration
2 : a leaflet or primary division of a pinnate leaf or frond
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Examples of pinna in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Humans do have weak vestigial muscles attached to the shell of the ear, called the auricle or pinna, as well as evidence of a vestigial nervous system, which could have functioned to orient the ears. — C. Claiborne Ray, New York Times, "Born to Be an Ear Wiggler?," 16 Jan. 2017

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

First Known Use of pinna

1682, in the meaning defined at sense 2

History and Etymology for pinna

New Latin, from Latin, feather, wing — more at pen

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Time Traveler for pinna

The first known use of pinna was in 1682

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More Definitions for pinna

pinna

noun
pin·​na | \ ˈpin-ə \
plural pinnae\ ˈpin-​ˌē , -​ˌī \ or pinnas

Medical Definition of pinna

: the largely cartilaginous projecting portion of the external ear

Other Words from pinna

pinnal \ ˈpin-​ᵊl \ adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on pinna

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pinna

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