How Do You Spell OSSICLE?

Pronunciation: [ˈɒsɪkə͡l] (IPA)

The word "ossicle" is spelled with two syllables, /ˈɒsɪk(ə)l/ (AH-sih-kuhl). The first syllable is pronounced with the short "o" sound, like "ah," and the "ss" and "c" make a "s" sound. The second syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound, like "ih," followed by a "k" sound and the silent "e." An ossicle is a small bone in the middle ear, and knowing how to spell it correctly can be important for medical professionals and students studying anatomy.

OSSICLE Meaning and Definition

1. An ossicle, derived from the Latin word "ossiculum" meaning "small bone," is a term predominantly utilized in anatomy and specifically refers to a small, delicate bone found in the human body. These ossicles are principally found within the middle ear, forming an integral component of the auditory system. There are three ossicles situated within each ear, specifically known as the malleus, incus, and stapes, also popularly referred to as the hammer, anvil, and stirrup.

   These minute bones work in harmony to amplify and transmit sound waves from the external environment towards the inner ear, enabling auditory perception. Beginning with the malleus, which is connected to the eardrum, vibrations are transmitted to the incus, and subsequently to the stapes. Lastly, the stapes transmits vibrations to the cochlea within the inner ear, where sound is finally converted into electrical signals to be processed by the brain.

   Ossicles play an indispensable role in the process of hearing, contributing to the perception of sound and aiding in the detection of vibration-induced stimuli. Their small size, along with their interconnected arrangement, allows for efficient and effective sound conduction, facilitating the full spectrum of auditory experiences. Any damage or malfunction of the ossicles can result in varying degrees of hearing loss, underscoring their vital function within the auditory system.

2. A small bone; specifically one of the bones of the tympanum, or drum of the ear.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. A little bone-applied to various small bones in the skeleton; a term applied to the bony-like points and segments of star-fishes, encrinites, and such-like animals.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for OSSICLE

• issicle
• kssicle
• lssicle
• pssicle
• 0ssicle
• 9ssicle
• oasicle
• ozsicle
• oxsicle
• odsicle
• oesicle
• owsicle
• osaicle
• oszicle
• osxicle
• osdicle
• oseicle
• oswicle
• ossucle
• odssicle

Etymology of OSSICLE

The word "ossicle" is derived from the Latin word "ossiculum", which means "little bone". It is a diminutive form of "os", which means "bone". In anatomy, ossicles are small bones found in the middle ear, including the malleus, incus, and stapes, often referred to as the hammer, anvil, and stirrup respectively.

Similar spelling words for OSSICLE

• ossicular,
• ossiculum,
• ossiculate.

Plural form of OSSICLE is OSSICLES