rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryauricleOuter ear
noun

auricle

OR-ih-kul/ˈɔːrɪkl/

The visible outer part of the ear.

The auricle curves outward from the side of the person's head.

Close profile of a natural adult ear, pinna folds crisp and anatomically correct, brown skin.
Etymology
aurLatinear
+icleLatindiminutive

The Latin formation literally meant little ear, but also served simply as a word for ear. In the selected anatomical sense, auricle names the visible external part rather than the entire hearing organ.

More examples

  • The auricle helps collect sound from the surroundings.
  • She examined the injured auricle for swelling.
  • The two auricles differ slightly in shape.

Forms

auricle · auricles

Similar words

pinna
Is another anatomical name for the same external ear structure.
ear
Also includes internal structures beyond the visible outer part.