malleus

American  

[mal-ee-uhs] / ˈmæl i əs /

noun

Anatomy.

plural

mallei

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 /

plural

mallei

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

If an individual was born without the malleus in either ear, explain why they might have problems with hearing.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

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

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

If we did not have the malleus and the incus, then the vibrations of the tympanum would never reach the inner ear.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

The malleus originated from the articular bone, whereas the incus originated from the quadrate bone.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

In anatomy the term anvil is applied to one of the bones of the middle ear, the incus, which is articulated with the malleus.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 2 "Anjar" to "Apollo" by Various