Cerumen - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Cerumen is the medical term for earwax, a natural substance produced in the ear canal to protect and clean the ears by trapping dust and debris.
Definition:
Earwax, a natural secretion in the ear canal that protects and lubricates.
Synonyms:
earwax, ear discharge, aural wax
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
dryness, clean ear (contextual opposites)
Common Collocations:
excess cerumen, cerumen buildup, cerumen removal, impacted cerumen
Derivatives:
ceruminous, ceruminosis
Usage Tips:
Use "cerumen" in medical or formal contexts; "earwax" is more common in everyday speech.
Common Phrases:
impacted cerumen, cerumen impaction, soften cerumen
Etymology:
From Latin "cērūmen," meaning "wax," derived from "cēra" (wax).
Examples:
- 1. The doctor removed the excess cerumen from my ear.
- 2. Cerumen helps protect the ear canal from dust and bacteria.
- 3. Some people produce more cerumen than others naturally.
- 4. Never insert objects into your ear to remove cerumen yourself.