auricular

[ aw-rik-yuh-ler ]

adjective

1. of or relating to the ear or to the sense of hearing; aural.
2. perceived by or addressed to the ear; made in private:

   an auricular confession.

3. dependent on hearing; understood or known by hearing:

   auricular evidence.

4. shaped like an ear; auriculate.
5. Anatomy. pertaining to an auricle of the heart.
6. Ornithology. pertaining to certain often modified feathers that cover and protect the opening of a bird's ear.

noun

1. Usually auriculars. Ornithology. feathers that cover and protect the opening of a bird's ear.

auricular

/ ɔːˈrɪkjʊlə /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or received by the sense or organs of hearing; aural
2. shaped like an ear
3. of or relating to an auricle of the heart
4. (of feathers) occurring in tufts surrounding the ears of owls and similar birds

noun

1. usually plural an auricular feather

Derived Forms

• auˈricularly, adverb

Other Words From

• au·ricu·lar·ly adverb
• inter·au·ricu·lar adjective
• nonau·ricu·lar adjective
• postau·ricu·lar adjective
• preau·ricu·lar adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of auricular¹

First recorded in 1535–45, auricular is from the Late Latin word auriculāris of, pertaining to the ear. See auricle, -ar ¹

Example Sentences

Religion has resumed her influence: the cathedral is very well attended, but auricular confession is not usual.

From Project Gutenberg

My brain seemed to echo that subtle harmony which rings in the auricular labyrinth after sound has ceased.

From Project Gutenberg

The site selected for the injection in the rabbit is the posterior auricular vein (see Fig. 192).

From Project Gutenberg

Shave the dorsal surface of the ear over the course of the posterior auricular vein (see Fig. 192).

From Project Gutenberg

And this may be considered as the date of private or auricular confession under the full sanction of ecclesiastical authority.

From Project Gutenberg