temporal bone

American  

noun

Anatomy, Zoology.

1. either of a pair of thick compound bones forming the part of the skull that encases the inner ear.

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temporal bone British  

noun

1. either of two compound bones forming part of the sides and base of the skull: they surround the organs of hearing

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Etymology

Origin of temporal bone

First recorded in 1765–75

Example Sentences

To investigate further, scientists extracted ancient DNA from the petrous portion of the temporal bone in both skeletons, an area known for preserving genetic material.

From Science Daily • Feb. 17, 2026

It was at the point after the nerve passes through the inner ear and enters the temporal bone, on its way to the muscles of the face.

From New York Times • Sep. 29, 2022

The zygomatic arch is formed jointly by the zygomatic process of the temporal bone and the temporal process of the zygomatic bone.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The flattened, upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Lon gave her the skull, feeling her open palms slide over the backs of his hands, and pointed to the cavity in the temporal bone.

From "The Reader" by Traci Chee