ossicle

ossicle Definition

os·si·cle (äs′i kəl)

noun

a small bone or bonelike structure; esp., any of the three small bones in the tympanic cavity of the ear

Etymology: < L ossiculum, dim. of os, a bone: see ossify

ossicle Related Forms

os·sic′u·lar (ä sik′yo̵̅o̅ lər) adjective or os·sic′u·late-lit, -lāt′

ossicle Usage Examples

Converse of object

call: Three small bones ( called the ossicles ) in the middle ear link the eardrum to the inner ear.

Adjective modifier

auditory: To allow the transmission of high frequency sounds, the stapes is used as an auditory ossicle.

Noun used with modifier

ear: This, in turn, causes vibration of tiny bones in the middle ear ( the ear ossicles ).

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