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Glite Dictionary
semicircular canal

semicircular canal

1 6.1
A curved tube in the inner ear that helps you keep balance when your head turns
  • noun
  • /ˌsɛmɪˈsɜrkjələr ˈkænəl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : canal semicircular
  • Superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SCD) syndrome is a recognized condition associated with varying degrees of vestibular and auditory dysfunction.
  • the superior semicircular canal
  • the lateral semicircular canal
  • the horizontal semicircular canal

Examples

  • In both cases, the superior semicircular canal is addressed through occlusion or resurfacing techniques.

    Academic text (2009)

  • The facial nerve is identified immediately inferior to the lateral semicircular canal.

    Academic text (1996)

  • The two main parts of the inner ear are the semicircular canals and the cochlea.

    Academic text (1990)

  • The semicircular canals, just above the windows, are filled with fluid and lined with hairs.

    Academic text (1990)

  • The incus and lateral and posterior semicircular canals are identified.

    Academic text (1996)

  • The acceleratory reflexes, attributed to the semicircular canals, assist in tilt detection and sway displacement.

    Academic text (1999)

  • The semicircular canals in the inner ear help you maintain your balance while walking.

  • Damage to the semicircular canals can lead to difficulties in maintaining equilibrium.

  • When you turn your head quickly, the semicircular canals register the movement and assist with balance.

Surface Forms

semicircular canal singular
semicircular canals plural

Morphology

semicircular + canal

The meaning is directly derivable from its parts: 'semicircular' means semicircle-shaped and 'canal' means a tube or passage, so together they denote a curved tube. This noun-modifier composition is a regular, cross-linguistic pattern, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can infer the basic referent (a curved fluid-filled tube), even if they may not know the specific anatomical location or function.

Etymology

Semicircular canal is named for its shape and role: semi means 'half' and circular means round, and canal means a small tube in the inner ear. When you turn your head, the fluid in these curved tubes moves and tells your brain about the turn, so they help with 'balance'.