Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
The authors would like to hypothesize an IR made from fatty acids and steroids of cerumen.—Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 1 Aug. 2014 Here, scientists hypothesize that ear cerumen (earwax), in addition to its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, would be a great insect repellent.—Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 1 Aug. 2014 Swabbing can push cerumen back into the ear, creating blockages or, in the worst-case scenario, a ruptured eardrum.—Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Sep. 2022 Ears are naturally excellent at maintaining themselves, primarily by producing cerumen (earwax) that traps particles of dirt and dust, and has antimicrobial properties.—Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Sep. 2022 Water in your ear can lead to either a bacterial infection or a fungal infection, and it's most often caused by water that remains in your ear canal, possibly trapped behind cerumen (ear wax).—Claire Gillespie, Health.com, 29 June 2021
Word History
Etymology
New Latin, irregular from Latin cera wax; akin to Greek kēros wax
Share