noun
ear
EER/ɪr/
The bodily organ receiving sound.
The outer ear collects sound and directs it inward.
Etymology
Old English eare already named the hearing organ. This physical meaning also supplied the later musical sense of an “ear”: the ability to learn and reproduce sounds by hearing.
In context
Your ear has another important function besides hearing. In its innermost part lies a group of structures known as the vestibular system, which gives us our sense of balance and movement.
More examples
- She covers her ears when the blender starts.
- My left ear hurts after the flight.
- He has a good ear for musical pitch.
Forms
ear · ears
Similar words
- pinna
- Names only the visible outer part of the ear.