noun
auricle
A small ear-shaped pouch extending from an upper chamber of the heart.
The model shows an auricle projecting from the upper heart chamber.
Etymology
Latin auris means ear, and the diminutive ending makes a little ear. The heart’s auricle takes that name from the small, ear-like shape of its projecting pouch.
More examples
- Each auricle forms a small pouch beside an atrium.
- The surgeon examined the left auricle.
- The diagram distinguishes the auricles from the larger chambers.
Forms
auricle · auricles
Similar words
- atrial appendage
- Is a more explicit anatomical name for the same pouch.
- atrium
- Names the whole upper chamber rather than its projecting appendage.