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Glite Dictionary
fenestra ovalis

fenestra ovalis

9.9
An oval opening in the middle ear where a small bone sends sound to the inner ear
  • noun
  • /fəˈnɛstrə oʊˈvælɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : ventana oval
  • The vibration of the stapes at the fenestra ovalis is crucial for hearing.

Examples

  • Damage to the fenestra ovalis can result in hearing impairment.

  • During surgery, the surgeon carefully examined the fenestra ovalis for any abnormalities.

  • The fenestra ovalis plays a crucial role in hearing.

  • During the examination, the doctor explained the function of the fenestra ovalis.

  • Damage to the fenestra ovalis can result in hearing impairment.

  • The vibration of the stapes at the fenestra ovalis is crucial for hearing.

  • During surgery, the surgeon carefully examined the fenestra ovalis for any abnormalities.

Synonyms

fenestra vestibuli
vsfenestra ovalis
  • Specialized
9.9

A small oval opening in the middle ear that lets sound pass into the inner ear

is the anatomical term used instead of the common alternate name
oval window
vsfenestra ovalis
  • Specialized
8.0

A small membrane-covered opening in the middle ear that passes vibrations from the ear bone to the inner ear

highlights the same function but uses a different anatomical label
fenestra of the vestibule
vsfenestra ovalis
  • Specialized
9.9

A small opening in the inner ear wall connected to a tiny middle ear bone that lets sound waves enter

places it in the middle ear with the small bone attached

Surface Forms

fenestra ovalis singular
fenestrae ovales plural

Morphology

fenestra + ovalis

The phrase combines 'fenestra' (opening) with 'ovalis' (oval), so a learner who knows both constituents can infer 'oval opening', which directly matches the medical definition 'oval opening in the middle ear'. Although this is a technical Latin-based anatomical term and 'ovalis' was not listed in the dictionary, its relation to English 'oval' is regular and compositional, making the meaning transparent to learners who know the parts.

Etymology

Fenestra ovalis comes from Latin words fenestra ('window') and ovalis ('oval'). It names the small oval 'window' in the middle ear where a tiny bone touches and sends sound into the inner ear, so the name helps you remember it is an 'oval opening' that passes sound.