malleus

American  

[mal-ee-uhs] / ˈmæl i əs /

noun

Anatomy.

mallei plural

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

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malleus British  

/ 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

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malleus Scientific  

/ măl′ē-əs /

mallei plural

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

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Etymology

Origin of malleus

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

Example Sentences

Without the malleus and incus, sound waves would not be collected by the pinna.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

The malleus attaches at three points to the interior surface of the tympanic membrane.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Without the malleus and incus, the vibrations of the tympanum would not be able to reach the stapes and then be sent to the cochlea.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

The incus is the bridge between the malleus and stapes.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

Behind the malleus the long process of the incus may be visible through the membrane.

From Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities—Head—Neck. Sixth Edition. by Miles, Alexander