outer ear

noun

: the outer visible portion of the ear that collects and directs sound waves toward the tympanic membrane by way of a canal which extends inward through the temporal bone

Examples of outer ear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The gills themselves—which fish use to breathe underwater—did not literally transform into outer ears. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Jan. 2025

Although other vertebrates have ears, only mammals sport the protruding, elaborate structures known as external or outer ears. —Bymitch Leslie, science.org, 9 Jan. 2025

Such movements were rapid…the outer ear and the corners of the mouth which would suddenly be drawn upwards and outwards; a whole series of grimaces was observable, none of which involved the eyes or tongue. —Caitlyn Murphy, Hazlitt, 13 Nov. 2024

The risk for meningitis may be higher because the implant creates a pathway from the outer ear to the inner ear, which is normally sterile. —Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1701, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

outer ear

noun

: the outer visible part of the ear that collects and directs sound waves toward the eardrum by way of a canal through the temporal bone

Medical Definition

outer ear

noun

out·​er ear ˈau̇t-ər- 

: the outer visible portion of the ear that collects and directs sound waves toward the tympanic membrane by way of a canal which extends inward through the temporal bone