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Glite Dictionary
auricular cartilage

auricular cartilage

7.7
A soft, firm part inside the outer ear that gives it shape
  • noun
  • /ɔːˈrɪkjələr ˈkɑːrtɪlɪdʒ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : cartílago auricular
  • The auricular cartilage is essential for maintaining the shape of the outer ear.

Examples

  • Auricular defects represent a difficult challenge to the reconstructive surgeon because of the unique three-dimensional anatomical architecture of the auricular cartilage.

    Academic text (2014)

  • The above-described incisions provide access for excision of the rudimentary auricular cartilage and for the creation of the subcutaneous pocket.

    Academic text (2014)

  • Surgeons often use grafts from the auricular cartilage to reconstruct ear deformities.

  • Injuries to the auricular cartilage can lead to noticeable deformities in the outer ear.

Synonyms

auricle
vsauricular cartilage
  • Specialized
1 8.8

The outer part of the ear that collects sound and sends it into the ear canal

is the firm flexible tissue that gives this outer part its shape

Surface Forms

auricular cartilage singular
auricular cartilages plural

Morphology

auricular + cartilage

The meaning 'cartilage forming the structure of the outer ear' is directly and compositionally derived from 'auricular' (ear-related) + 'cartilage' (flexible connective tissue). This adjectival + noun combination follows standard English composition patterns and is cross-linguistically obvious, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would understand it.

Etymology

Auricular cartilage is the firm but flexible tissue that makes the shape of the 'outer ear'. Here auricular means 'ear' and cartilage means soft, bendable tissue, so the phrase names the part that supports and shapes the ear.