petrous

[ pe-truhs, pee- ]

adjective

1. Anatomy. noting or pertaining to the hard dense portion of the temporal bone, containing the internal auditory organs; petrosal.
2. like stone, especially in hardness; stony; rocky.

petrous

/ ˈpiː-; ˈpɛtrəs /

adjective

1. anatomy denoting the dense part of the temporal bone that surrounds the inner ear
2. rare.
   like rock or stone

Other Words From

• super·petrous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of petrous¹

1350–1400; Middle English (< Middle French petros ) < Latin petrōsus rocky. See petr-, -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of petrous¹

C16: from Latin petrōsus full of rocks

Example Sentences

By this means the posterior surface of the petrous bone can be exposed as far inwards as the internal auditory meatus.

From Project Gutenberg

The bony labyrinth presents a series of cavities which are channelled through the substance of the petrous bone.

From Project Gutenberg

From the surrounding 794 mesoderm the petrous bone is formed by a process of chondrification and ossification.

From Project Gutenberg

On its inner side is a small air chamber in the petrous portion of the temporal bone, called the cavity of the tympanum.

From Project Gutenberg

The bones related to the organ of hearing, the tympanis and petrous bones, are very solid and dense in structure.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• craggy
• jagged
• rough