1 utricle | Definition of utricle

utricle

noun
utri·​cle | \ ˈyü-tri-kÉ™l How to pronounce utricle (audio) \

Definition of utricle

: any of various small pouches or saccate parts of an animal or plant: such as
a : the part of the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear into which the semicircular canals open
b : a small usually indehiscent one-seeded fruit with thin membranous pericarp

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Other Words from utricle

utricular \ yu̇-​ˈtri-​kyÉ™-​lÉ™r How to pronounce utricular (audio) \ adjective

Examples of utricle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In those individuals, Balaban says, further tests implicated damage to the ear's otolith organs, the utricle and the saccule, key to sensing gravity. Richard Stone, Science | AAAS, "Sonic attack or mass paranoia? New evidence stokes debate over diplomats’ mysterious illness," 20 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'utricle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of utricle

1731, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for utricle

Latin utriculus, diminutive of uter leather bag

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More Definitions for utricle

utricle

noun
utri·​cle | \ ˈyü-tri-kÉ™l How to pronounce utricle (audio) \

Medical Definition of utricle

: a small anatomical pouch: as
a : the part of the membranous labyrinth of the ear into which the semicircular canals open and that contains the macula utriculi

called also utriculus

Other Words from utricle

utricular \ yu̇-​ˈtrik-​yÉ™-​lÉ™r How to pronounce utricular (audio) \ adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on utricle

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about utricle