modiolus

[ moh-dahy-uh-luhs, muh- ]

noun

, Anatomy.

, plural mo·di·o·li [moh-, dahy, -, uh, -lahy, m, uh, -].

1. the central, conical axis of the cochlea of the ear.

modiolus

/ məʊˈdaɪəʊləs; mə- /

noun

1. the central bony pillar of the cochlea

Other Words From

• mo·dio·lar adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of modiolus¹

1685–95; < New Latin, Latin: nave of a wheel bucket, drinking vessel, equivalent to modi ( us ) a dry measure (perhaps derivative of modus mode ¹ ) + -olus -ole ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of modiolus¹

C19: New Latin, from Latin: hub of a wheel, from modus a measure

Example Sentences

The modiolus is large near its base, where it corresponds with the first turn of the cochlea, and diminishes in diameter toward its extremity.

From Project Gutenberg

At the extremity of the modiolus, the two passages communicate with each other.

From Project Gutenberg