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pinna

pinna

9.6
The visible outer part of the ear that helps direct sound into the ear canal
  • noun
  • /ˈpɪnə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : pabellón
  • Examination revealed that the helical cartilage and pinna on the right side were inflamed and thickened and that the overlying skin was erythematous and excoriated (figure 1).
  • the right pinna

It's subtle, but can you flap your pinna with just using mental control?

Examples

  • The helical cartilage and pinna of the right ear are inflamed and thickened, and the overlying skin is erythematous and excoriated.

    Academic text (2003)
  • In 1977, he had sustained a burn injury on the right side of his face and pinna.

    Academic text (2002)
  • Inflammation of the pinna can occur in conjunction with polychondritis and otitis externa.

    Academic text (2003)
  • The pinna helps to amplify sounds as they travel into the ear.

  • When you touch your ear, you can feel the pinna on the outside.

  • The shape of the pinna allows it to capture sound waves from different directions.

Synonyms

auricle
vspinna
  • Specialized
1 8.8

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

is the external visible cartilage projecting from the side of the head

Surface Forms

pinna singular
pinnas plural

Etymology

The word pinna comes from the Latin pinna, meaning 'wing' or 'feather', and was used for thin, wing-like parts of the body. That's why the outer ear is called the pinna — it works like a small 'wing' that helps catch sound.