ears

Corn on cobs

Ears are the organs of hearing, located on either side of the head.

The visible outer part catches sound waves; the inner structures convert them to signals the brain interprets.

Ears also govern balance.

Figuratively, an ear is attention or receptiveness: lend an ear, have someone's ear.

A good ear for music or language means natural aptitude for hearing distinctions.

To play it by ear is to improvise rather than follow a plan.

hearing

sound

Audible wave phenomenon

deafnessLack of auditory function
tinnitusPerceived phantom ear sounds
audiologyStudy of hearing disorders

earplugs · earshot · eavesdrop · overhear · listen · whisper · echo · volume · noise · silence

anatomy

pinna

External ear structure

lobeRounded projecting part
helixSpiraling three-dimensional curve
tragusEar's inner projection

antihelix · concha · auricle · cerumen · ossicles · malleus · incus · stapes · cochlea · vestibule

sympathy

listening

Attending to sound

understandingMental comprehension of something
compassionConcern for others' distress
empathySharing another's emotions

attention · support · comfort · patience · presence · confidant · counsel · receptive · attentive · nonjudgmental

corn

cob

Maize ear's central cylinder

huskDry seed covering
silkFine woven insect fiber
kernelSeed or essential core

maize · shucking · cornfield · tassel · harvest · roasting · grilling · popcorn

ornament

earrings

Jewelry worn on lobes

studsStructural wall timbers
hoopsCircular bands or rims
danglersLoosely hanging items

piercings · clip-ons · drops · gauges · plugs · gemstones · gold · silver · pearl · diamond

handles

jug

Handled pouring container

pitcherPouring vessel or hurler
cupSmall drinking container
mugHandled cup for beverages

vase · urn · amphora · vessel · grip · pottery · ceramic · krater

ears

sound

pinna

listening

cob

earrings

jug

ears

Opposites

Phrases

Categories

Family