malleus

[mal-ee-uhs]

noun

Anatomy.

plural

mallei 

1. the outermost of a chain of three small bones in the middle ear of mammals.

malleus

/ ˈmælɪəs /

noun

1. Nontechnical name: hammer. the outermost and largest of the three small bones in the middle ear of mammals See also incus stapes

malleus

plural

mallei 

1. The hammer-shaped bone that is the largest and outermost of the three small bones (ossicles) in the middle ear.

Word History and Origins

Origin of malleus¹

First recorded in 1660–70; from Latin: “hammer”

Word History and Origins

Origin of malleus¹

C17: from Latin: hammer