ˈȯrə̇kəl, -rēk- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin auricula, diminutive of auris ear — more at ear
1.
a. : the pinna of the ear
b.
[so called from a resemblance to the external ear of some quadrupeds]
: an atrium of the heart
c. : auricular appendage
2. : an angular or earlike lobe or process: as
a. : one of the plates of the jaw to which the jaw muscles are attached in certain sea urchins with jaws
b. : one of a pair of ciliated pitlike organs eversible for swimming in certain rotifers
c. : either of the wings at the hinged border of the shell in certain bivalve mollusks (as the scallop)
3. : an ear-shaped appendage (as that at the base of the leaf blade of many grasses)
• au·ri·cled -ld adjective