utricle

u·tri·cle ¹  (ytr-kl)

n.

1. A membranous sac contained within the labyrinth of the inner ear and connected with the semicircular canals.

2. Botany A small bladderlike one-seeded indehiscent fruit, as in the amaranth.

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[Latin utriculus, diminutive of uter, utr-, leather bottle, possibly from Greek hudria, water vessel, from hudr, water; see wed-¹ in Indo-European roots.]

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

utricle - a small pouch into which the semicircular canals open utriculus membranous labyrinth - the sensory structures of the inner ear including the labyrinthine receptors and the cochlea; contained within the bony labyrinth pouch, pocket - (anatomy) saclike structure in any of various animals (as a marsupial or gopher or pelican)