The word "auricula" is a bit tricky to spell. It's pronounced "ɔːˈrɪkjʊlə" and means "outer part of the ear" or "a small ear-shaped plant." The spelling of "auricula" comes from Latin, and the "au" at the beginning is pronounced like "aw." The "ic" in the middle is pronounced like "ik," and the final "a" is pronounced like "uh." So, while "auricula" may be difficult to spell, learning its phonetic pronunciation can make it much easier to remember.
The term "auricula" is derived from the Latin word "auriculae," which translates to "little ear." In botany, an auricula refers to a specific type of flowering plant belonging to the Primulaceae family and the Primula genus. Typically, auriculas are herbaceous perennials with attractive, compact rosettes of leaves and delicate, colorful flowers. They are native to mountainous regions of Europe, particularly the Alps, and are highly prized for their aesthetic appeal in horticulture.
Auriculas are characterized by their distinctive, funnel-shaped flowers that bloom in various shades of vibrant yellow, orange, purple, pink, and red. The flowers are composed of five petals and a prominent tubular structure in the center, which houses the reproductive organs. They are often displayed in clusters at the end of long, sturdy stems. The leaves of an auricula are typically fleshy, lance-shaped, and form a rosette at the base of the plant.
Due to their ornamental value, auriculas are frequently cultivated as garden plants or grown in containers for displaying on patios or balconies. They require well-draining soil and partial shade to thrive. Specialized varieties of auriculas exist, such as the show auriculas, which are renowned for their intricate markings and patterns on the petals. Show auriculas are often exhibited competitively in flower shows and utilized as subjects for breeding new cultivars. Overall, auriculas are cherished for their beauty, making them popular among flower enthusiasts and collectors.
1. Pinna, the projecting shell-like structure on the side of the head, constituting, with the external auditory meatus, the external ear. 2. The upper receiving chamber of each half of the heart, atrium. 3. Auricular appendix, a small conical muscular pouch forming the upper portion of each auricle (atrium) of the heart.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
A species of primrose called bears ear, a native of Swiss Alps.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "auricula" is derived from the Latin word "auricula" which translates to "little ear". This is because the flower petals of the plant Auricula (Primula auricula) are believed to resemble the shape of an ear. Thus, the name "auricula" was given to this plant. Over time, the term "auricula" has been used to refer to various ear-shaped or ear-related structures in different contexts, such as the external ear structure in anatomy or the auricle of the heart.