outer ear

noun

external ear.

Origin of outer ear

First recorded in 1930–35

Words nearby outer ear

outen, outer, outer automorphism, outer bar, outer barrister, outer ear, outer garments, outer hebrides, outer mongolia, outer planet, outer product

Medical definitions for outer ear

outer ear
[ ou′tər ]

n.

external ear

Scientific definitions for outer ear

outer ear
[ ou′tər ]

The part of the ear in many vertebrates that is external to the eardrum (tympanic membrane) and contains the canal leading to the eardrum as well as the ear lobe and other visible structures. In mammals, the outer ear, which is made mostly of cartilage, gathers and focuses incoming sound waves and transmits them to the eardrum. See more at ear1.

Cultural definitions for outer ear

outer ear

The part of the ear that projects from the side of the head and functions to gather and guide sound waves toward the eardrum.