pinna

noun

pin·na | \ ˈpi-nə

How to pronounce pinna (audio)

\

plural pinnae\ ˈpi-ˌnē

How to pronounce pinnae (audio)

, -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

Other Words from pinna Example Sentences Learn More about pinna

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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.

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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

WORD OF THE DAY

insuperable

incapable of being surmounted or overcome

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