utricle

noun

utri·​cle ˈyü-tri-kəl How to pronounce utricle (audio)
: any of various small pouches or saccate parts of an animal or plant: such as
a
: the part of the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear into which the semicircular canals open
b
: a small usually indehiscent one-seeded fruit with thin membranous pericarp
utricular
yu̇-ˈtri-kyə-lər How to pronounce utricle (audio)
adjective

Examples of utricle 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.
The saccule and utricle detect acceleration and tilting. — Shayla Love, The New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2023 The saccule and utricle, two chambers in the inner ear, detect the direction of gravity and help the body to balance. — Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 15 Nov. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Latin utriculus, diminutive of uter leather bag

First Known Use

1731, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of utricle was in 1731

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“Utricle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/utricle. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

utricle

noun
utri·​cle ˈyü-tri-kəl How to pronounce utricle (audio)
: a small anatomical pouch: as
a
: the part of the membranous labyrinth of the ear into which the semicircular canals open and that contains the macula utriculi

called also utriculus

b
: prostatic utricle
utricular
yu̇-ˈtrik-yə-lər How to pronounce utricle (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on utricle

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about utricle

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