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otolith Definition

oto·lith (ōtō lit̸h′)

noun

  1. a tiny, bonelike particle or stony, platelike structure in the internal ear of lower vertebrates
  2. a similar calcareous concretion in the statocyst of many invertebrates

Etymology: oto- + -lith

otolith Related Forms
o′to·lithic adjective
otolith Usage Examples

Preposition: from

  • specie: Many of the smaller otoliths from the deep-water species had distinguishable edges, either opaque or transparent, depending on the time of year.

Converse of object

  • extract: You can extract more large otoliths from the head of an adult fish, but they are not transparent and often have irregular shapes.
  • section: Continuous line laser ablation was used on sectioned otoliths of C. rupestris from four sites in the Atlantic.
  • call: Growth: Evidence for the age of eels comes from the examination of small bones in the inner ear called the otoliths.

Adjective modifier

  • whole: Whole otolith microchemical analysis was carried out on otoliths of N. aequalis from six different areas in the Atlantic and Mediterranean.

Modifies a noun

  • microchemistry: The first phase of Task 2 involved the development of a suitable methodology for carrying out whole otolith microchemistry.
  • organ: In a linear acceleration, the gelatinous layer, which contains the otolith organ, is shifted aft.
  • composition: The results are discussed in relation to otolith composition and the potential lability of some elements.
  • microstructure: The significance of hatch date for the growth and survival of the sandeel, Ammodytes marinus, was investigated using otolith microstructure.

Noun used with modifier

  • fish: High densities of fish otoliths have been found in one North Sea pockmark.

Browse dictionary entries near otolith

  1. otolaryngology
  2. otocyst
  3. oto-
  4. OTN
  5. otitis
  6. Otis
  7. otiose
  8. -otic
  9. otic
  10. Othman
  1. otology
  2. otorhinolaryngology
  3. otosclerosis
  4. otoscope
  5. Otranto
  6. OTS
  7. ottava
  8. ottava rima
  9. Ottawa
  10. otter