-ˈkȯrd.ē, -rˌtē
Usage: usually capitalized C
Etymology: after Alfonso Corti died 1876 Italian anatomist
: any of the minute modified epithelial elements that rise from the basilar membrane of the organ of Corti in two spirally arranged rows so that the free ends of the members incline toward and interlock with corresponding members of the opposite row and enclose the tunnel of Corti