auricular

[ aw-rik-yuh-ler ]

adjective

1. of or relating to the ear or to the sense of hearing; aural.
2. perceived by or addressed to the ear; made in private:

   an auricular confession.

3. dependent on hearing; understood or known by hearing:

   auricular evidence.

4. shaped like an ear; auriculate.
5. Anatomy. pertaining to an auricle of the heart.
6. Ornithology. pertaining to certain often modified feathers that cover and protect the opening of a bird's ear.

noun

1. Usually auriculars. Ornithology. feathers that cover and protect the opening of a bird's ear.

auricular

/ ɔːˈrɪkjʊlə /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or received by the sense or organs of hearing; aural
2. shaped like an ear
3. of or relating to an auricle of the heart
4. (of feathers) occurring in tufts surrounding the ears of owls and similar birds

noun

1. usually plural an auricular feather

Derived Forms

• auˈricularly, adverb

Other Words From

• au·ricu·lar·ly adverb
• inter·au·ricu·lar adjective
• nonau·ricu·lar adjective
• postau·ricu·lar adjective
• preau·ricu·lar adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of auricular¹

First recorded in 1535–45, auricular is from the Late Latin word auriculāris of, pertaining to the ear. See auricle, -ar ¹

Example Sentences

But if you feel like a giant auricular acupressure device is exactly what’s been lacking in your life, the Nirvana early bird price is $179 with an estimated delivery date of August 2018.

From The Verge

Some people can control their auricular muscles to move the ear slightly but to a noticeable extent, an ability that seems to have a genetic basis.

From New York Times

A melodic line is sheltered by another line that outlines the harmonic spectrum, causing the melody to grow into something more oracular than auricular.

From Los Angeles Times

But the drama started long before any acts of auricular avarice.

From Los Angeles Times

Murakami's got a new book out - will auricular delights be in store?

From The Guardian