~ 1
■ noun
1》 the organ of h~ing and balance in humans and other vertebrates, especially the external part of this.
↘(in other animals) an organ sensitive to sound.
2》 an ability to recognize and appreciate sounds: an ~ for music.
3》 willingness to listen and pay attention: a sympathetic ~.
Phrases
be all ~s informal be listening attentively.
one's ~s are burning one is subconsciously aware of being talked about.
have someone's ~ have access to and influence with someone.
have (or keep ) an ~ to the ground be well informed about events and trends.
be out on one's ~ informal be dismissed ignominiously.
up to one's ~s in informal very busy with.
Derivatives
~ed adjective
~less adjective
Origin
OE ēare , of Gmc origin.
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~ 2
■ noun the seed-b~ing head or spike of a cereal plant.
Origin
OE ēar , of Gmc origin.