noun
earwax
EER-waks
Earwax (noun) means the waxy substance that the ear produces to protect and clean itself. Example: “A build-up of earwax can muffle your hearing.”
noun
1
medicine The waxy substance that the ear produces to protect and clean itself.
"A build-up of earwax can muffle your hearing."
"The nurse used a small syringe to remove the earwax."
"Too much earwax sometimes needs to be cleared by a doctor."
How to use earwax
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe natural, waxy stuff your ears make.
When to use it
It is an everyday word, while cerumen is the more formal, medical equivalent.
Memory tip
Earwax is usually uncountable, so say some earwax rather than an earwax.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
a build-up of earwax
remove earwax
earwax removal
excess earwax
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A build-up of _____ can muffle your hearing.
Etymology
Earwax comes from Middle English erewax, formed by joining the words for ear and wax.
Synonyms
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cerumen
wax
Related words
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.
What is the meaning of earwax?
"earwax" (noun) means the waxy substance that the ear produces to protect and clean itself.
