inner ear

noun

: the essential organ of hearing and equilibrium that is located in the temporal bone, is innervated by the auditory nerve, and includes the vestibule, the semicircular canals, and the cochlea

Examples of inner ear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The effect is a kind of motion sickness, some problem with the inner inner ear. —Laurence Scott, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025

Certain Cancer Drugs Certain drugs used to treat cancer are ototoxic and can damage the inner ear. —Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 13 Dec. 2024

The auditory module develops representations that are suited to vibrations in the inner ear. —George Musser, Scientific American, 19 Mar. 2024

Swaying stimulates the vestibular system in your inner ear, which plays a key role in balance and spatial awareness. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

inner ear

noun

: the part of the ear that is most important for hearing, is located in a cavity in the temporal bone, and contains the ends of the nerves which send nerve impulses concerned with hearing and balance to the brain

Medical Definition

inner ear

noun

: the essential part of the vertebrate organ of hearing and equilibrium that typically is located in the temporal bone, is innervated by the auditory nerve, and includes the vestibule, the semicircular canals, and the cochlea

called also internal ear