First Known Use: 1669
Dictionary
malleus
noun mal·le·us \ˈma-lē-əs\
plural mal·lei \-lē-ˌī, -lē-ˌē\
Definition of MALLEUS
: the outermost of a chain of three small bones of the mammalian middle ear —called also hammer — see ear illustration
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Origin of MALLEUS
New Latin, from Latin, hammer
Medical Dictionary
malleus
noun mal·le·us \ˈmal-ē-əs\
plural mal·lei \-ē-ˌī, -ē-ˌē\
Medical Definition of MALLEUS
: the outermost of the chain of three ossicles in the middle ear of a mammal consisting of a head, neck, short process, long process, and handle with the short process and handle being fastened to the tympanic membrane and the head articulating with the head of the incus—called also hammer
Illustration of MALLEUS
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