Otolith
/ˈoʊ.tə.lɪθ/noun
A small mineralized structure in the inner ear that helps an animal detect gravity, balance, and movement.
Did you know?Otoliths act like microscopic gravity sensors: when your head moves, these dense “ear stones” shift and stimulate sensory hairs that help control balance.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₂ous-
“Ear; the ancient root associated with hearing and the ear”
Ancient Greek
Greek
οὖς (ous)
“Ear”
Ancient Greek
Greek
λίθος (lithos)
“Stone”
19th Century
Scientific Latin
otolithus
“An ear stone; a mineralized structure of the inner ear”
Modern English
English
otolith
“A small inner-ear structure involved in balance and sensing gravity”
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