COCHLEA

[co.chlea] n, pl co.chle.as or co.chle.ae [NL, fr. L, snail, snail shell, fr. Gk kochlias, fr. kochlos snail; prob. akin to Gk konche mussel] (1688): a division of the bony labyrinth of the inner ear of higher vertebrates that is usu. coiled like a snail shell and is the seat of the hearing organ--see ear illustration -- co.chle.ar adj