stirrup bone: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Proficient)Medical, anatomical, formal technical
Quick answer
What does “stirrup bone” mean?
The smallest bone in the human body.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The smallest bone in the human body; the innermost of the three ossicles in the middle ear, shaped like a stirrup.
In anatomy, the stapes; part of the chain of bones that transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Terminology identical; 'stapes' is the more common Latinate synonym in both regions.
Connotations
Technical/clinical in both; no regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse; used almost exclusively in medical/biological contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “stirrup bone” in a Sentence
The stirrup bone [verb: vibrates, transmits, connects][Adjective: damaged, fixed, prosthetic] stirrup boneVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stirrup bone” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in medical, biological, and audiological papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Primary context; used in otology, surgery, anatomy, hearing aid fitting.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stirrup bone”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “stirrup bone”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stirrup bone”
- Confusing it with the other ossicles (incus, malleus).
- Misspelling as 'stirrup bone' (correct) vs. 'stirrupbone' (incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'stirrup bone' is the descriptive English term for the 'stapes', which is its formal anatomical Latin name.
Because its shape resembles the stirrup used on a horse's saddle.
No, dysfunction or fixation of the stapes causes significant conductive hearing loss, though it can be surgically replaced with a prosthesis.
No, it is a highly specialised anatomical term. Most people would refer to it as one of the 'tiny ear bones' or by its medical name, 'stapes'.
The smallest bone in the human body.
Stirrup bone is usually medical, anatomical, formal technical in register.
Stirrup bone: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɪr.əp ˌbəʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɪr.əp ˌboʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a tiny horse rider's stirrup hanging in your ear, vibrating to carry sound.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LEVER or PEDAL in the sound transmission mechanism.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of the stirrup bone (stapes)?