Cochlea

['kɒklɪə] or ['koklɪə]

Definition

(noun.) the snail-shaped tube (in the inner ear coiled around the modiolus) where sound vibrations are converted into nerve impulses by the organ of Corti.

Editor: Ozzie--From WordNet

Definition

(n.) An appendage of the labyrinth of the internal ear, which is elongated and coiled into a spiral in mammals. See Ear.

Typed by Connie

Definition

n. a spiral-shaped shell esp. the snail-shell: (anat.) the spiral cavity of the ear.—adjs. Cochlear′iform; Coch′leary Coch′leāte Coch′leāted twisted.

Editor: Tracy