cauliflower ear

noun

1. an ear that has been deformed by repeated injury, resulting in an irregular thickening of scar tissue.

cauliflower ear

noun

1. permanent swelling and distortion of the external ear as the result of ruptures of the blood vessels: usually caused by blows received in boxing Also calledboxer's ear Technical nameaural haematoma

Word History and Origins

Origin of cauliflower ear¹

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10

Example Sentences

It never went entirely back to its normal shape, and was called a “cauliflower ear” by the sailors.

From Project Gutenberg

His lips were puffed out to twice their natural size and on the right side of his head he wore a beautiful cauliflower ear.

From Project Gutenberg

It was everlastingly too late—hence the cauliflower ear referred to above.

From Project Gutenberg