vestibular sense
- noun
- /vɛˈstɪbjʊlər sɛns/
- Specialized
:
sentido vestibular
- These authors all reported similar pathologies: deposition of various amounts of fibrous tissue and new bone in the inner ear spaces and degeneration of the organ of Corti and vestibular sense organs.
Examples
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When you spin around and stop suddenly, your vestibular sense can make you feel dizzy.
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The vestibular sense helps me keep my balance while riding a bike.
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Dancing requires a well-developed vestibular sense to maintain rhythm and stability.
Synonyms
7
7.2
The sense of balance in the inner ear that tells you head position and movement
4
3.4
The ability to keep your body steady so you do not fall
Parts of the inner ear that tell you your head position and keep you balanced
A sense that tells you where your head is and how it moves from the inner ear
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun phrase combines 'vestibular' (connected to the inner ear and balance functions) with 'sense' (a sensory faculty), so the meaning — the sensory system for balance and spatial orientation — is directly derivable from its parts. Although 'vestibular' is somewhat technical, given knowledge of the constituents the composition is straightforward and follows standard English naming of sensory systems.
Etymology
The term vestibular sense comes from small parts in the inner ear that tell your brain about balance and movement. Tiny stones and fluid move and bend little hairs when you turn or stop, so that feeling tells you 'which way is up' and explains why vestibular sense means your body's sense of 'balance' and 'movement'.