auricle

noun

au·​ri·​cle ˈȯr-i-kəl How to pronounce auricle (audio)
1
a
: an atrium of a heart
b
: pinna sense 1
c
: an anterior ear-shaped pouch in each atrium of the human heart
2
: an angular or ear-shaped lobe, process, or appendage

Examples of auricle 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.
Ear movement is controlled by the auricular muscles—three muscles that connect the outer ear (or ‘auricle’) to the skull and scalp. — Clarissa Brincat, Popular Science, 27 Feb. 2025 Some have the small antennas of AirPods peeking out of their auricles. — Kyle Chayka, The New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin auricula, from diminutive of auris ear — more at ear

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of auricle was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Auricle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/auricle. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

auricle

noun
au·​ri·​cle ˈȯr-i-kəl How to pronounce auricle (audio)
1
: pinna sense 2
2
: a small pouch in each atrium of the human heart

Medical Definition

auricle

noun
au·​ri·​cle ˈȯr-i-kəl How to pronounce auricle (audio)
1
a
: pinna
b
: an atrium of the heart
2
: an angular or ear-shaped anatomical lobe or process (as an auricular appendage of the heart)

More from Merriam-Webster on auricle

Nglish: Translation of auricle for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about auricle

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