vestibular

adjective

ves·tib·u·lar | \ ve-ˈsti-byə-lər

How to pronounce vestibular (audio)

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Definition of vestibular

1 : of, relating to, or functioning as a vestibule

2 : of, relating to, or affecting the perception of body position and movement the vestibular system of the inner ear

Examples of vestibular in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This input is picked up by our bodies’ sensory systems—auditory (sound), visual (sight), oral (taste and texture), olfactory (smell), tactile (touch), proprioceptive (muscle and joint awareness), and vestibular (motion). — Jamie Kiffel-alcheh, National Geographic, "Tricks to settle your fidgeters, wigglers, and fingernail biters," 9 Sep. 2020 Migraine can cause symptoms of dizziness and vertigo—vestibular migraines are a thing too. — Korin Miller, SELF, "11 Causes of Sudden Dizzy Spells," 12 Aug. 2020 Instead, focus on mind-body exercises that strengthen the aspects of your nervous system impacting balance, your proprioceptive and vestibular systems. — Dana Santas, CNN, "Step up your strength and balance with this stair workout," 20 May 2020 Paleontologists from the University of Edinburgh analyzed computerized axial tomography (CAT) scans of more than a dozen fossil skulls to study the vestibular system -- the three looping semicircular canals of the inner ear which control balance. — Amy Woodyatt, CNN, "Deadly ancient crocodiles imitated whales to dominate the oceans," 21 Apr. 2020 But dizziness is a problem with the vestibular system, which is the sensory system that collects data from the eyes, inner ear and muscles to help us keep our balance and posture. — Brian Platzer, New York Times, "Why Doctors Dismiss Dizziness," 13 Feb. 2020 Following several instances of dizziness and unusual weakness, Kelly received a diagnosis: acoustic neuroma or vestibular schwannoma, a tumor sitting on her cranial nerves. — Benjamin Vanhoose, PEOPLE.com, "Matthew Stafford’s Wife Kelly Details Recovery from Brain Tumor and Her 'Focus on Positivity'," 15 Oct. 2019 It was previously identified in the inner ear, or vestibular system, of mice, humans and many other creatures, where it is required for developing a sense of balance. — Veronique Greenwood, New York Times, "Unlocking Secrets of Sour Flavors With Something Found in Your Ears," 3 Feb. 2018 My hunch was that Alana was in the middle of a vestibular migraine, a variant where the brain’s electrical waves propagate through the cerebellum, the brain’s balance center. — Tony Dajer, Discover Magazine, "Vertigo, Panic and Trouble Breathing: What's Going On Here?," 19 Oct. 2018

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

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Cite this Entry

“Vestibular.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vestibular. Accessed 5 Mar. 2021.

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More Definitions for vestibular

vestibular

adjective

ves·tib·u·lar | \ ve-ˈstib-yə-lər

\

Medical Definition of vestibular

1 : of or relating to the vestibule of the inner ear, the vestibular system, the vestibular nerve, or the vestibular sense vestibular impulses

2 : lying within or facing the vestibule of the mouth the vestibular surface of a tooth

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