stapes

Definitions

A small stirrup-shaped innermost ossicle of the middle ear of mammals, transmitting vibrations from the incus to the inner ear.

Equivalents

Examples

“The tympanic cavity is spanned by the three smallest bones in the body: the auditory ossicles[…] These bones, named for their shape⟳, are the malleus (malʹe-us; "hammer⟳"); the incus (ingʹkus; "anvil"); and the stapes (staʹpēz; "stirrup"). The "handle⟳" of the malleus is secured to the eardrum, and the base⟳ of the stapes fits into the oval window.”

CEFR level