auricle

American  

[awr-i-kuhl] / ˈɔr ɪ kəl /

noun

1. Anatomy.

   1. the projecting outer portion of the ear; pinna.

   2. Also called auricular appendage.  an ear-shaped appendage projecting from each atrium of the heart.

   3. (loosely) the atrium.

2. Botany, Zoology. a part like or likened to an ear.

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auricle British  

/ ˈɔːrɪkəl /

noun

1. 1. the upper chamber of the heart; atrium

   2. a small sac in the atrium of the heart

2. Also called: pinna.  anatomy the external part of the ear

3. Also called: auricula.  biology an ear-shaped part or appendage, such as that occurring at the join of the leaf blade and the leaf sheath in some grasses

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auricle Scientific  

/ ôr′ĭ-kəl /

1. The visible part of the outer ear.

2. An atrium of the heart.

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Other Word Forms

• auricled adjective

Etymology

Origin of auricle

First recorded in 1645–55, auricle is from the Latin word auricula the (external) ear, ear lobe. See auri- ², -cle ¹

Example Sentences

Humans do have weak vestigial muscles attached to the shell of the ear, called the auricle or pinna, as well as evidence of a vestigial nervous system, which could have functioned to orient the ears.

From New York Times

The absence of the auricle, as the result of accident or injury, does not cause diminution of hearing.

From Project Gutenberg

Mostly stiff, with short erect closely flowered spikes, an entirely staminate terminal spike, dark colored scales, and bracts with purple or black auricles at base; stigmas 2 or 3.—Sp.

From Project Gutenberg

Even after twelve hours both auricles responded to the same stimulus, though the ventricles remained motionless.

From Project Gutenberg

Having two auricles, as the heart of mammals, birds, and reptiles.

From Project Gutenberg