one-eared
UK[ˌwʌn ˈɪəd]US[ˌwʌn ˈɪrd]
adj
Having only one ear, either literally or figuratively.
Morpheme Breakdown
one
eared
one
numeral
eared
having ears
Etymology
The compound adjective 'one-eared' is a transparent formation from two native English elements. The first element, 'one', descends from the Proto-Germanic 'ainaz', a fundamental numeral that has remained remarkably stable in meaning. The second element, 'eared', is derived from the Old English noun 'ēare' (ear), which itself has Proto-Germanic origins. The suffix '-ed' is used to form adjectives indicating possession, a pattern common in English (e.g., 'bearded', 'talented'). The literal combination, "having one ear", is used both for physical description and, occasionally, in figurative contexts to denote something partial or lopsided.
Analysis
Structure: one (numeral) + eared (having ears)
- one: From Old English 'ān', meaning "one, a single". A numeral root.
- eared: From Old English 'ēare' (ear) + the adjectival suffix '-ed', meaning "having the specified feature".
Examples
The stray dog was one-eared, likely from an old injury.
He listened with a one-eared attention, more focused on his phone.
The old, one-eared rabbit was a familiar sight in the garden.