basilar membrane

noun

: a membrane extending from the bony shelf of the cochlea to the outer wall and supporting the organ of Corti

Examples of basilar membrane in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
When implanting cochlear implants, Polley explained, surgeons thread electrodes into specific locations along the basilar membrane to target nerves that are sensitive to particular frequencies. Justin Chen, STAT, 11 July 2018 Within the cochlea, hair cells rest on an organic platform known as the basilar membrane that is floppy and wide on one end and narrow and taut on the other. Justin Chen, STAT, 11 July 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of basilar membrane was in 1842

Dictionary Entries Near basilar membrane

Cite this Entry

“Basilar membrane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basilar%20membrane. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

basilar membrane

noun
: a membrane that extends from the margin of the bony shelf of the cochlea to the outer wall and that supports the organ of Corti

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