coch·le·a (k k l - , k kl-)n. pl. coch·le·ae (-l - , -l- ) also coch·le·as A spiral-shaped cavity of the inner ear that resembles a snail shell and contains nerve endings essential for hearing. [Latin, snail shell, from Greek kokhli  s, snail, from kokhlos, land snail.]coch le·ar adj. |
cochlea [ˈkɒklɪə]
n pl -leae [-lɪˌiː]
(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Anatomy) the spiral tube, shaped like a snail's shell, that forms part of the internal ear, converting sound vibrations into nerve impulses
[from Latin: snail, spiral, from Greek kokhlias; probably related to Greek konkhē conch]
cochlear adj
| cochlea (kkl-) Plural cochleae (k kl-, -l-) or cochleas A spiral-shaped cavity of the inner ear and the main organ of hearing. The cochlea contains the nerve endings that transmit sound vibrations from the middle ear to the auditory nerve. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  cochlea - the snail-shaped tube (in the inner ear coiled around the modiolus) where sound vibrations are converted into nerve impulses by the organ of Cortitube-shaped structure, tube - (anatomy) any hollow cylindrical body structure basilar membrane - a membrane in the cochlea that supports the organ of Corti inner ear, internal ear, labyrinth - a complex system of interconnecting cavities; concerned with hearing and equilibrium modiolus - the central conical bony pillar of the cochlea organ of Corti - the hearing organ of the inner ear; contains receptors that respond to sound waves |
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