middle ear

noun Anatomy.

the middle portion of the ear, consisting of the tympanic membrane and an air-filled chamber lined with mucous membrane, that contains the malleus, incus, and stapes. Compare ear1(def 1).

Origin of middle ear

First recorded in 1885–90

Words nearby middle ear

middle congo, middle constrictor muscle of pharynx, middle cuneiform bone, middle distance, middle dutch, middle ear, middle east, middle eastern, middle eight, middle england, middle english

Example sentences from the Web for middle ear

British Dictionary definitions for middle ear

middle ear

noun

the sound-conducting part of the ear, containing the malleus, incus, and stapes

Medical definitions for middle ear

middle ear

n.

The space located between the eardrum and the inner ear that contains the three auditory ossicles, which convey vibrations through the oval window to the cochlea. tympanic cavity tympanum

Scientific definitions for middle ear

middle ear
[ mĭd′l ]

The part of the ear in most mammals that contains the eardrum (tympanic membrane) and the three ossicles (malleus, incus, and stapes) which transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear. See more at ear1.

Cultural definitions for middle ear

middle ear

A part of the ear on the inner side of the eardrum; it contains three small bones that transmit sound waves to the inner ear from the eardrum.