Definition

1. Noun:
   • The passage in the outer ear leading from the auricle (pinna) to the eardrum (tympanic membrane): The "auditory meatus" is the tube-like structure that channels sound waves from the outside environment toward the middle ear.

Usage

• The term "auditory meatus" is a formal, anatomical term. It is typically used in medical, biological, or scientific contexts. In everyday conversation, people usually refer to it simply as the "ear canal."
• It is a countable noun. The plural form is "auditory meatuses" or, less commonly, "auditory meati" (using the Latin plural).

Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor examined the patient's auditory meatus for signs of infection or blockage.
  • Cerumen, or earwax, is produced in the outer portion of the auditory meatus to protect it.
  • Sound waves travel down the auditory meatus before striking the eardrum.

Advanced Usage

• "External auditory meatus": This is the full and precise anatomical term, specifying it as the outer passage, as opposed to the internal auditory meatus which is a canal in the temporal bone of the skull for nerves and blood vessels.
  • The inflammation was localized to the external auditory meatus.

Variants and Related Words

• Ear canal (n): The common, non-technical synonym for "auditory meatus."
• External acoustic meatus (n): An alternative anatomical term with the same meaning.
• Meatus (n): A general anatomical term for a natural body passage or opening (e.g., urinary meatus).

Synonyms

• Ear canal: The most frequent synonym in general use.
• External auditory canal: A common synonym in medical contexts.
• Acoustic meatus: A less common variant.

Notes on Meaning

• The "auditory meatus" refers specifically to the tube itself, not the structures at either end (the pinna/auricle or the eardrum). Its primary function is to conduct sound and protect the middle ear.

Noun

1. either of the passages in the outer ear from the auricle to the tympanic membrane