hair cell

noun

, Biology.

1. an epithelial cell having hairlike processes, as that of the organ of Corti.

hair cell

1. A cell found in the organs of balance in the inner ear of mammals that senses the body's position with respect to gravity. Hair cells are found in both the semicircular canals and the vestibule.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hair cell¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Although it is impossible to know for sure what caused her sudden hearing loss, Cutter said she was told by an audiologist that the massage might have blocked blood flow to hair cells in the ear that are crucial to hearing.

From Washington Post

Along with the hair cells that detect sound in the cochlea, the vestibular nerve contains fibers that respond to acoustic signals.

From Nautilus

That’s the lightning-rod moment—when brain cells start to distinguish themselves from skin cells and lung cells diverge from hair cells, and so on.

From Time

There is also evidence, says Vincent, that T-cells — vital components of the immune system — specifically eliminate hair cells in the area.

From Ozy