Definition of auricle

The word "auricle" has a fascinating origin! It comes from the Latin word "auricula," which means "little ear" or "earlobe." The term was first used in the 16th century to refer to the outer rim of the ear, particularly the visible part that frames the ear canal. In the 17th century, anatomists began using the term to describe the flaps of skin that cover the outer edges of the ear canal. Today, in medical contexts, the auricle can refer to either the outer rim of the ear or the external acoustic meatus, which is the opening of the ear canal. Despite its seemingly obscure etymology, the word "auricle" has become an essential term in medical and anatomical contexts!