earwax
2 synonyms for earwax, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The waxy substance that the ear produces to protect and clean itself.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
cerumen
How to use earwax
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a build-up of earwax
remove earwax
earwax removal
excess earwax
It is an everyday word, while cerumen is the more formal, medical equivalent.
Etymology
Earwax comes from Middle English erewax, formed by joining the words for ear and wax.
Full origin of earwax →Frequently asked questions
What is earwax made of?
Earwax is simply a waxy substance secreted by the ear itself, rather than being made from any single separate ingredient.
What is the medical term for earwax?
Doctors often call it cerumen, a medical synonym for earwax.
Is a build-up of earwax normal?
The ear produces earwax naturally, but too much can build up and affect hearing, sometimes needing medical removal.
