ˈstā(ˌ)pēz noun
( plural stapes “ ; or stape·des stəˈpēˌdēz)
Etymology: New Latin staped-, stapes, from Medieval Latin, stirrup, alteration (probably influenced by Latin ped-, pes foot) of Late Latin stapia, probably of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German stapfo step — more at step , foot
1. : the innermost of the chain of ossicles of the ear of mammals which has the form of a stirrup, a base that occupies the fenestra vestibuli of the tympanum, and a head that is connected with the incus — see ear illustration
2. : the inner segment of the columella or sometimes the entire columella of the ear of many nonmammalian vertebrates