auricle
UK[ˈɔːrɪk(ə)l]US[ˈɔːrɪk(ə)l]
n
The external part of the ear.
n
An atrium of the heart.
Morpheme Breakdown
aur
icle
aur
ear
icle
small part
Etymology
The word 'auricle' has a direct and logical construction from its Latin components. It derives from 'auricula', the diminutive form of 'auris' (ear), literally meaning 'little ear'. This term was adopted into anatomical vocabulary in English to describe the visible, shell-like part of the outer ear, which resembles a small ear-like appendage. Later, by anatomical analogy due to a similar shape, the term was also applied to the two upper chambers of the heart, which receive blood.
Analysis
Structure: aur (ear) + icle (small part)
'aur' originates from Latin 'auris', meaning 'ear'. 'icle' is a diminutive suffix from Latin '-iculus', indicating a small version of something.
Examples
The doctor examined the patient's auricle for signs of infection.
Blood enters the heart through the right auricle.
The cold wind made his auricles turn bright red.