Otolith definition
One of the small calcareous particles found in the inner ear of many vertebrates, especially fishes, which are involved in determining body orientation and sometimes in perceiving sound.
noun
A tiny, bonelike particle or stony, platelike structure in the internal ear of lower vertebrates.
noun
A similar calcareous concretion in the statocyst of many invertebrates.
noun
One of the small calcareous particles found in the inner ear of many vertebrates, especially fishes, which are involved in determining body orientation and sometimes in perceiving sound.
noun
(zoology) A small particle, comprised mainly of calcium carbonate, found in the inner ear of vertebrates, being part of the balance sense.
noun
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Alternative Forms
Alternative Form of otolith -
otolite
Other Word Forms
Noun
Singular:
otolith
Plural:
otolithsOrigin of otolith
- From Ancient Greek ωτο (ōto), stem of οὖς (ous, “ear") + λίθος (lithos, “stone").
From Wiktionary