semicircular canal

noun

Definition of semicircular canal

: any of the loop-shaped tubular parts of the labyrinth of the ear that together constitute a sensory organ associated with the maintenance of bodily equilibrium — see ear illustration

Examples of semicircular canal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But a tiny semicircular canal in the skull suggests was markedly different from gibbons, reports Dvorsky. — Jason Daley, Smithsonian, "Is This Baby Animal the Last Common Ancestor of Humans and Apes?," 10 Aug. 2017

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

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about semicircular canal

Dictionary Entries near semicircular canal

Statistics for semicircular canal

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for semicircular canal

The first known use of semicircular canal was in 1748

See more words from the same year

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for semicircular canal

semicircular canal

noun

semi·cir·cu·lar canal | \-ˌsər-kyə-lər-

Medical Definition of semicircular canal

: any of the loop-shaped tubular parts of the labyrinth of the ear that together constitute a sensory organ associated with the maintenance of bodily equilibrium, that consist of an inner membranous canal of the membranous labyrinth and a corresponding outer bony canal of the bony labyrinth, and that in all vertebrates above cyclostomes form a group of three in each ear usually in planes nearly at right angles to each other — see semicircular duct