incus

[ ing-kuhs ]

noun

, plural in·cu·des [in-, kyoo, -deez] in·cus

1. Anatomy. the middle one of a chain of three small bones in the middle ear of humans and other mammals. Compare malleus, stapes.
2. Also called anvil, the spreading, anvil-shaped, upper portion of a mature cumulonimbus cloud, smooth or slightly fibrous in appearance.

incus

/ ˈɪŋkjʊdəl; ˈɪŋkjʊˌdeɪt; ˈɪŋkəs /

noun

1. See stapes, malleus
   the central of the three small bones in the middle ear of mammals Nontechnical nameanvil Compare malleus stapes

incus

/ ĭng-kyo̅o̅′dēz /

, Plural incudes ĭng-kyo̅o̅′dēz

1. The anvil-shaped bone (ossicle) that lies between the malleus and the stapes in the middle ear.
2. The elongated, often anvil-shaped upper portion of a fully developed cumulonimbus cloud; a thunderhead.

Derived Forms

• incudate, adjective

Other Words From

• in·cu·date [ing, -ky, uh, -deyt, -dit, in, -], in·cu·dal [ing, -ky, uh, -dl, in, -], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of incus¹

1660–70; < New Latin, Latin incūs anvil, equivalent to incūd- (stem of incūdere to hammer, beat upon) + -s nominative singular ending; incuse

Word History and Origins

Origin of incus¹

C17: from Latin: anvil, from incūdere to forge

Example Sentences

The middle segment becomes in mammals the incus (one of the ear-ossicles), and in birds the quadrate.

From Project Gutenberg

It is passed over the incus in the same manner as an incus hook.

From Project Gutenberg

A variety of instruments have been described for the purpose of removal of the incus.

From Project Gutenberg

The incus consists of an anvil-shaped portion from which arises a long tapering process.

From Project Gutenberg

The ossicles of Procavia, which recall those of the Equidae, are chiefly remarkable for the small size of the body of the incus.

From Project Gutenberg