auricular

UK: ɔːˈrɪk.jə.lər | US: ɔːˈrɪk.jə.lɚ

Definition

  1. adj. relating to the ear or hearing

  2. adj. shaped like an ear

  3. n. (plural: auriculars) feathers covering a bird's ear opening

Structure
aur <ear>icul <small>ar <adjective suffix>
Etymology

Derived from Latin auricula (diminutive of auris, "ear"), auricular entered English via Old French. The morpheme aur- preserves the core meaning of "ear," while -icul- adds a diminutive sense ("small ear"). The suffix -ar forms adjectives, giving the word its modern sense of "pertaining to the ear." The term evolved to describe both anatomical features (e.g., auricular muscles) and bird anatomy (auricular feathers).

Examples

  1. The auricular muscles in humans are often nonfunctional.

  2. The doctor examined her auricular canal for signs of infection.

  3. Owls have prominent auriculars to funnel sound.

  4. The sculpture featured auricular designs resembling twisted ears.

  5. Auricular acupuncture targets points on the outer ear.