malleus

[ mal-ee-uhs ]

noun

, Anatomy.

, plural mal·le·i [mal, -ee-ahy].

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

malleus

/ ˈmælɪəs /

noun

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

malleus

/ măl′ē-əs /

, Plural mallei măl′ē-ī′

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

Example Sentences

An articular facet begins on the manubrium near the neck and spirals halfway around the head of the malleus.

From Project Gutenberg

(i) Adhesion of the handle of the malleus to the promontory.

From Project Gutenberg

Another method is to resect the handle of the malleus (Fig. 195).

From Project Gutenberg

In doing this the instrument will embrace the neck of the malleus (Fig. 202).

From Project Gutenberg

In Chiroptera the ossicles and especially the malleus much resemble those of shrews.

From Project Gutenberg