Skip to main content
os temporale

os temporale

9.2
A bone on the side of the skull that holds and protects the inner ear
  • noun
  • /ˈɑs ˈtɛmpəˌreɪli/
  • Specialized
translation icon : hueso temporal
  • Fractures of the os temporale can result in hearing loss or dizziness.

Examples

  • The os temporale is crucial for protecting the organs of hearing and balance.

  • In anatomy class, we studied the structure of the os temporale and its relation to the jaw joint.

  • The os temporale is crucial for hearing.

  • During the surgery, the doctor examined the os temporale closely.

  • Fractures of the os temporale can result in hearing loss or dizziness.

  • In anatomy class, we studied the structure of the os temporale and its relation to the jaw joint.

  • The os temporale is crucial for protecting the organs of hearing and balance.

Synonyms

temporal bone
vsos temporale
  • Specialized
2 5.3

Part of the skull on each side that holds the inner ear

is the same bone but given as its Latin or anatomical name
temporal
vsos temporale
  • Specialized
1 7.9

The bone at the side of the head near the temples

names the specific thick skull bone enclosing the inner ear not the general side area

Surface Forms

os temporale singular
os temporales plural

Morphology

os + temporale

The term composes 'os' (bone) with 'temporale' (relating to the temporal/temple region), so the meaning 'temporal bone / bone of the temple' is directly and predictably derived from the constituents. This anatomical naming pattern is cross-linguistically common, so a learner who knows both parts would readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Os temporale is a Latin name that literally means os 'bone' of the temporale 'temple', the side of the head near the ear. That's why the name refers to the thick bone there that protects the ear and helps with hearing and balance.