cochlea

American  

[kok-lee-uh, koh-klee-uh] / ˈkɒk li ə, ˈkoʊ kli ə /

noun

Anatomy.

plural

cochleae, cochleas

1. a spiral-shaped cavity forming a division of the internal ear in humans and in most other mammals.

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cochlea British  

/ ˈkɒklɪə /

noun

1. the spiral tube, shaped like a snail's shell, that forms part of the internal ear, converting sound vibrations into nerve impulses

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cochlea Scientific  

/ kŏk′lē-ə /

plural

cochleae

1. A spiral-shaped cavity of the inner ear and the main organ of hearing. The cochlea contains the nerve endings that transmit sound vibrations from the middle ear to the auditory nerve.

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Other Word Forms

• cochlear adjective

Etymology

Origin of cochlea

1530–40; < Latin < Greek kochlíās snail (with spiral shell), screw, probably akin to kónchē conch

Example Sentences

Researchers also found that the cochlea itself is relatively short and compact, which helps it process ultrasonic vibrations.

From Science Daily • Mar. 12, 2026

It’s the type IV collagen in the basement membrane of my cochlea, or inner ear, that is abnormal and contributes to sensorineural hearing loss.

From Salon • Sep. 30, 2024

The gene codes for a protein called connexin 26 that helps various cell types in the cochlea communicate by releasing potassium.

From Science Magazine • Jan. 26, 2024

The implants somewhat alter the cochlea, which could hamper the interpretation of gene therapy results.

From New York Times • Jan. 23, 2024

As we might expect, the auditory cortex helps us discern different sounds processed by the cochlea.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin