The human ear is a complex and fascinating organ, consisting of several parts that work together to allow us to hear sounds. One of these parts is the acoustic meatus, which is a small tunnel-like structure located in the outer ear. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of the acoustic meatus, as well as its origin, associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
The acoustic meatus, also known as the external auditory canal, is a narrow, curved tube that runs from the outer ear to the eardrum. It is lined with skin and contains hair follicles and glands that produce earwax. The acoustic meatus is an important part of the outer ear, as it helps to funnel sound waves into the ear and protect the delicate structures of the inner ear from damage.
Origin
The word “acoustic” comes from the Greek word “akoustikos,” which means “pertaining to hearing.” The word “meatus” comes from the Latin word “meare,” which means “to go, pass, or flow.” Together, these words describe a structure that is designed to allow sound to pass through it and into the inner ear.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the acoustic meatus is “the passage leading inward through the temporal bone from the auricle to the tympanic membrane.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “the canal leading from the outer ear to the eardrum.”
Associations
The acoustic meatus is associated with several other structures in the ear, including the auricle (the visible part of the outer ear), the tympanic membrane (the eardrum), and the middle ear (which contains the three small bones that transmit sound vibrations to the inner ear).
Synonyms
Some synonyms for the acoustic meatus include the external auditory canal, the ear canal, and the auditory tube.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for the acoustic meatus, as it is a specific structure in the ear.
The same root words
Some other words that share the same root words as acoustic meatus include acoustics, acoustic guitar, and acoustician.
Example Sentences
- The doctor examined the patient’s ear and found that there was a blockage in the acoustic meatus.
- The sound of the ocean waves echoed through the acoustic meatus and into the inner ear.
- The swimmer’s ear infection was caused by water getting trapped in the acoustic meatus.
- The audiologist used a special tool to clean out the patient’s acoustic meatus and improve their hearing.