noun
stirrup
A tiny bone in the middle ear that transmits sound vibrations to the inner ear.
The stirrup transmits vibrations toward the inner ear.
Etymology
The ear bone takes its name from the riding stirrup. Its small loop-like shape resembles the support in which a rider places a foot.
More examples
- The model showed the stirrup beside the anvil.
- The tiny stirrup rested against the oval window.
- Students learned that the stirrup is also called the stapes.
Forms
stirrup · stirrups
Similar words
- stapes
- Stapes is the anatomical name for the stirrup bone.
- anvil
- The anvil is another middle-ear bone that passes vibrations toward the stirrup.