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pinna

noun pin·na \ ˈpi-nə \

Definition of pinna

plural pinnae play \ˈpi-ˌnē, -ˌnī\ or pinnas

1 a :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

See pinna defined for kids

Recent Examples of pinna from 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.

Origin and Etymology of pinna

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1682

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

pinna

noun pin·na \ ˈpin-ə \

medical Definition of pinna

plural pinnae play \ˈpin-ˌē, -ˌī\ or pinnas

:the largely cartilaginous projecting portion of the external ear

—

pinnal

play \ˈpin-ᵊl\ adjective

Illustration of pinna

Learn More about pinna

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pinna

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