cochlea
UK[ˈkɒk.li.ə]US[ˈkoʊ.kli.ə]
n
a spiral-shaped cavity in the inner ear that contains the organ of hearing.
Etymology
the word 'cochlea' is a direct borrowing from latin, where it meant "snail shell" or "spiral cavity." the latin term itself originated from the ancient greek 'κοχλίας' (kokhlias), meaning "snail" or "spiral shell," which is derived from 'κόχλος' (kokhlos), a general term for a shellfish with a spiral shell. this etymological journey vividly illustrates the logic of naming: the intricate, coiled structure of the inner ear's auditory organ was directly compared by ancient anatomists to the familiar spiral shape of a snail's shell. the term has retained this specific anatomical reference since its adoption into english scientific vocabulary.
Analysis
the word is a simplex loanword from latin. it is not productively segmented in modern english spelling.
Examples
sound waves are converted into neural signals within the cochlea.
damage to the hair cells in the cochlea can lead to hearing loss.
the cochlea is filled with fluid and is responsible for transmitting sound vibrations to the auditory nerve.