auricular
Meaning of auricular: Auricular describes anything relating to the ear, particularly its outer visible structure, though it also names an unrelated heart structure.
Definition of auricular
Auricular means relating to the ear, and the word is most often used in connection with the auricle, also called the pinna, the visible outer part of the ear made largely of cartilage covered by skin. Auricular structures, findings, and procedures involve this outer portion of the ear rather than the middle or inner ear.
The term also appears in an unrelated anatomical context, describing the atrial appendages of the heart, which are sometimes called auricles because of their resemblance in shape to the outer ear. In this setting, auricular refers to the heart structure rather than to hearing anatomy, so the surrounding context determines which meaning applies.
Auricular acupuncture and auricular hematoma are examples of terms that specifically involve the outer ear rather than the heart.
Used in a sentence
The examination noted mild swelling of the auricular cartilage after the injury.
Good to know
Auricular can refer either to the outer ear or, in cardiac anatomy, to the atrial appendages of the heart, so the intended meaning depends on the surrounding clinical context.
Word origin
Where “auricular” comes from
From Latin auricula, meaning "little ear," a diminutive of auris ("ear").