Stapes - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
The stapes is the smallest bone in the human body, located in the middle ear. It helps transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear, enabling hearing.
Definition:
The stapes is a small stirrup-shaped bone in the middle ear, transmitting sound vibrations.
Synonyms:
stirrup bone, auditory ossicle
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
(No direct antonyms; anatomical term)
Common Collocations:
middle ear, sound transmission, auditory system
Derivatives:
stapedial, stapedectomy
Usage Tips:
Use "stapes" when discussing ear anatomy or hearing mechanisms; it’s singular ("stapes," not "stape").
Common Phrases:
(No common phrases or idioms; anatomical term)
Etymology:
From Latin "stapes" meaning "stirrup," due to its shape resembling a riding stirrup.
Examples:
- 1. The stapes is the smallest bone in the human body.
- 2. Damage to the stapes can cause hearing loss.
- 3. The stapes transmits vibrations to the inner ear.
- 4. Surgeons sometimes replace the stapes during otosclerosis treatment.