Definition

1. Noun:
   • The external portion of the ear: The "outer ear" is the part of the ear that is visible on the outside of the head. Its primary function is to collect sound waves and funnel them into the ear canal toward the middle and inner ear.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor examined her outer ear for signs of infection.
  • Protect your outer ear from loud noises by wearing proper ear protection.
  • The shape of the outer ear helps in determining the direction of sounds.

Advanced Usage

• Anatomical Context: In medical or biological discussions, the "outer ear" is often described as consisting of the pinna (or auricle) and the ear canal (external auditory meatus).
  • The outer ear, comprising the pinna and ear canal, acts as a funnel for sound.

Variants and Related Words

• Auricle (noun): A technical term for the visible part of the outer ear.
  • The auricle is the fleshy, cartilaginous part of the outer ear.
• Pinna (noun): Another technical term synonymous with auricle.
  • The pinna's unique shape helps in sound localization.
• Ear canal (noun): The tube leading from the outer ear to the eardrum.
  • Never insert objects into the ear canal of the outer ear.

Synonyms

• External ear: A formal synonym often used in anatomical texts.
• Auris externa: The Latin anatomical term for the outer ear.

Related Phrases

• Outer ear infection (noun phrase): An infection affecting the ear canal, commonly known as swimmer's ear.
  • Swimming frequently can sometimes lead to an outer ear infection.

Noun

1. the part of the ear visible externally