noun

cochlea

KOK-lee-uh

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Cochlea (noun) means the coiled, spiral-shaped cavity inside the inner ear that turns sound vibrations into nerve signals. Example: “A surgeon can implant a tiny electrode array directly into the cochlea to restore some hearing.”

noun

technical The coiled, spiral-shaped cavity inside the inner ear that turns sound vibrations into nerve signals.

"A surgeon can implant a tiny electrode array directly into the cochlea to restore some hearing."

"Loud concerts can damage the hair cells lining the cochlea."

"Scans showed the cochlea was fully formed in the unborn baby."

formal A shell with a spiral shape, such as a snail's shell.

"The fossil preserved the fine ridges of the snail's cochlea."

"She sketched the snail's cochlea, tracing each coiled turn of its shell."

How to use cochlea

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe cochlea is the spiral-shaped part of your inner ear that turns sound into signals your brain understands as hearing.

When to use it

It is a technical anatomical term, mostly used in medical or scientific contexts rather than everyday speech.

Memory tip

Remember the plural can be either cochleae or cochleas, both are correct.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

cochlear

Common pairings

damage to the cochlea cochlear implant hair cells in the cochlea the spiral of the cochlea

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A surgeon can implant a tiny electrode array directly into the _____ to restore some hearing.

Etymology

Cochlea comes from the Latin word for a snail, which was itself taken from the Ancient Greek kokhlias, meaning a snail with a spiral shell. The word was carried into English to describe the coiled inner-ear structure because of its resemblance to a snail's shell.

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for cochlea

ea sea tea pea yea lea Bea DEA hea Rea urea plea

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Frequently asked questions

What does the cochlea do?

It is the coiled part of the inner ear that converts sound vibrations into nerve impulses the brain can interpret as hearing.

Where is the cochlea located?

It sits inside the inner ear, coiled into a spiral shape, and contains the organ of Corti.

Why is it called a cochlea?

The name comes from the Latin and Greek words for a snail, because the structure's tight spiral looks like a snail's shell.

What is the meaning of cochlea?

"cochlea" (noun) means the coiled, spiral-shaped cavity inside the inner ear that turns sound vibrations into nerve signals.