pinna

noun

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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

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, 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.