malleus

[mal-ee-uh s] /ˈmæl i əs/

noun, plural mallei

[mal-ee-ahy] /ˈmæl iˌaɪ/ (Show IPA). Anatomy

the outermost of a chain of three small bones in the middle ear of mammals.

Also called hammer.

Compare incus (def 1), stapes.

Origin

1660-70; < Latin: hammer

British Dictionary definitions for malleus

malleus

/ˈmælɪəs/

noun (pl) -lei (-lɪˌaɪ)

the outermost and largest of the three small bones in the middle ear of mammals Nontechnical name hammer See also incus, stapes

Word Origin

C17: from Latin: hammer

Word Origin and History for malleus

ear bone, 1660s, from Latin malleus "a hammer" (see mallet). So called for its shape.

malleus in Medicine

malleus mal·le·us (māl'ē-əs)
n. pl. mal·le·i (māl'ē-ī')
The hammer-shaped bone that is the outermost of the three auditory ossicles, articulating with the body of the incus. Also called hammer.

malleus in Science

malleus

(māl'ē-əs)
Plural mallei (māl'ē-ī')
The hammer-shaped bone that is the largest and outermost of the three small bones (ossicles) in the middle ear.