temporal bone

noun

: a compound bone of the side of the skull of some mammals including humans

Examples of temporal bone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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 child survived, but needed stitches in her ear and head and suffered a fractured temporal bone, charging documents against Key stated. Sarah Nelson, The Indianapolis Star, 8 May 2024 The samples came from the petrous, a part of the temporal bone that includes the inner ear, and which has proved to be one of the best bets for aDNA preservation. Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 17 May 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of temporal bone was in 1771

Dictionary Entries Near temporal bone

Cite this Entry

“Temporal bone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/temporal%20bone. Accessed 1 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

temporal bone

noun
: a compound bone that is located on the side of the skull of some mammals including human beings and is composed of four major parts

Medical Definition

temporal bone

noun
: a compound bone of the side of the skull that has four principal parts including the squamous, petrous, and tympanic portions and the mastoid process

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