How Do You Spell CERUMINOUS?

Pronunciation: [səɹˈuːmɪnəs] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "ceruminous" can be explained through IPA phonetic transcription as /sɪˈruːmɪnəs/. This word is commonly used in anatomy to describe a gland that produces earwax. Its spelling may seem complicated, but breaking it down phonetically helps to understand it. The first syllable "ceru" sounds like "sir-roo", the second syllable "mi" sounds like "mee", and the final syllable "nous" sounds like "nus". Putting it all together, "ceruminous" is spelled phonetically as /sɪˈruːmɪnəs/.

CERUMINOUS Meaning and Definition

1. Ceruminous is an adjective that refers to something related to the production or secretion of cerumen, which is a waxy substance found in the ear. The term primarily pertains to the ceruminous glands, which are specialized glands in the external auditory canal that secrete cerumen.

   The production of ceruminous glands is one of the body's mechanisms to protect and maintain the health of the ear. These glands are primarily found in the outer part of the ear canal and their secretions combine with dead skin cells and other debris to form cerumen. Ceruminous glands are more abundant in some individuals, which can sometimes result in excessive wax buildup.

   The ceruminous glands' secretions serve several purposes. Firstly, the waxy consistency of cerumen helps to lubricate and moisturize the skin of the ear canal, preventing dryness and discomfort. Secondly, cerumen acts as a protective barrier against dust, dirt, and other foreign particles, preventing them from entering the ear and potentially causing harm or infection. Lastly, it helps to trap and remove dead skin cells, dust, and other debris, aiding in the self-cleaning process of the ear.

   In summary, the term ceruminous describes anything relating to the production, secretion, or properties of cerumen, particularly referring to the ceruminous glands found in the ear canal.

2. Relating to cerumen.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for CERUMINOUS

• xeruminous
• veruminous
• feruminous
• deruminous
• cwruminous
• csruminous
• cdruminous
• crruminous
• c4ruminous
• c3ruminous
• ceeuminous
• ceduminous
• cefuminous
• cetuminous
• ce5uminous
• ce4uminous
• ceryminous
• cerhminous
• cerjminous

Etymology of CERUMINOUS

The word "ceruminous" derives from the Latin term "cerumen", which means earwax. "Cerumen" is derived from the Latin word "cera", meaning wax, which in turn can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*ker" or "*kerə", also signifying wax. The suffix "-ous" is added to "cerumen" to form the adjective "ceruminous", indicating something relating to or containing earwax.

Similar spelling words for CERUMINOUS

• Ceremonies,
• cerumen.