modiolus

[moh-dahy-uh-luhs, muh-]

noun

Anatomy.

plural

modioli 

1. the central, conical axis of the cochlea of the ear.

modiolus

/ məʊˈdaɪəʊləs, mə- /

noun

1. the central bony pillar of the cochlea

Other Word Forms

• modiolar adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of modiolus¹

1685–95; < New Latin, Latin: nave of a wheel bucket, drinking vessel, equivalent to modi ( us ) a dry measure (perhaps derivative of modus mode ¹ ) + -olus -ole ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of modiolus¹

C19: New Latin, from Latin: hub of a wheel, from modus a measure

Example Sentences

The modiolus is large near its base, where it corresponds with the first turn of the cochlea, and diminishes in diameter toward its extremity.

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At the extremity of the modiolus, the two passages communicate with each other.

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