ˈäsə̇kəl noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin ossiculum, diminutive of oss-, os bone
1. : any of certain small bones: as
a. : the malleus, incus, or stapes of the ear
b. : one of the small plates of bone in the sclerotic of some reptiles and birds
2. : any of various small calcareous bodies: as
a. : one of the numerous small calcareous pieces of the skeleton of many echinoderms
b. : one of the parts of the gastric mill of the stomach of some crustaceans