otic

¹

[ oh-tik, ot-ik ]

adjective

, Anatomy.

1. of or relating to the ear; auricular.

-otic

²

1. an adjective suffix of Greek origin, often corresponding to nouns ending in -osis, denoting a relationship to an action, process, state, or condition indicated by the preceding element: hypnotic; neurotic . -tic.

otic

¹

/ ˈɒtɪk; ˈəʊtɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to the ear

-otic

²

suffix forming adjectives

1. relating to or affected by

   sclerotic

2. causing

   narcotic

Other Words From

• pre·otic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of otic¹

From the Greek word ōtikós, dating back to 1650–60. See ot-, -ic

Origin of otic²

From the Greek suffix -ōtikos

Word History and Origins

Origin of otic¹

C17: from Greek ōtikos, from ous ear

Origin of otic²

from Greek -ōtikos

Example Sentences

The inner ear, which processes sound, is protected by one of the densest bones in the body, the otic capsule, making it difficult to visualize its tiny structures with conventional imaging.

From Scientific American

FB, forebrain; FP, floor plate; H, heart; HB, hindbrain; L, lens; M, melanocytes; MB, midbrain; O, otic vesicle; SC, spinal cord.

From Nature

One of the main commodities returned on those voyages of centuries ago were travelers’ tales,* stories of alien lands and ex otic creatures that evoked our sense of wonder and stimulated future exploration.

From Literature

There were sup­posed to be only two primary lines of descent, the eukaryotic and the prokary­otic.

From Scientific American

The anterior rami terminate at about the mid-level of the orbit, and the medial rami articulate firmly with the anterolateral corner of the otic capsule.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• audible
• aural