semicircular canal

noun

, Anatomy.

1. any of the three curved tubular canals in the labyrinth of the ear, associated with the sense of equilibrium.

semicircular canal

noun

1. anatomy any of the three looped fluid-filled membranous tubes, at right angles to one another, that comprise the labyrinth of the ear: concerned with the sense of orientation and equilibrium

semicircular canal

/ sĕm′ĭ-sûr′kyə-lər /

1. Any of the three looped tubes of the inner ear that together with the vestibules makes up the organs that maintain equilibrium in vertebrates.

Word History and Origins

Origin of semicircular canal¹

First recorded in 1740–50

Example Sentences

"The dramatic increase in the average evolution rate of semicircular canals" within these apes may illuminate that "the rapid evolution of bipedalism in the human lineage in response to gradual global cooling."

From Salon

However, the heavy compression and distortion of the skulls obscured the bony ear region and led previous researchers to believe that the delicate semicircular canals were not preserved.

From Science Daily

“The whale shark is actually the animal with the largest semicircular canals on Earth, much larger than the canals in whales,” David says.

From Science Magazine

Three looping semicircular canals in the inner ear became markedly fatter and smaller compared to those in their terrestrial kin.

From Reuters

Paleontologists analysed Cat-scans of more than a dozen fossil skulls to examine the vestibular system of the inner ear, which comprises of three looping semicircular canals and helps with balance and spatial awareness.

From The Guardian