The spelling of "ear lobe" is quite straightforward, as it reflects the phonetic sounds of the word. "Ear" is pronounced as /ɪər/, with the vowel sound blending between /ɪ/ and /ə/ and the "r" sound at the end. "Lobe" is pronounced as /loʊb/, with the long vowel sound of /oʊ/ as in "hoe" and the "b" sound at the end. Together, "ear lobe" is pronounced as /ɪr loʊb/ with the stress on the second syllable, and refers to the fleshy protrusion at the bottom of the ear.
The ear lobe is a specific anatomical structure located at the bottom of the external ear. More precisely, it is a fleshy, hanging lobe-like protuberance composed mainly of connective tissue and skin that is devoid of cartilage. In human beings, the ear lobe generally hangs below the rest of the ear, typically being rounded or oval-shaped, and may vary in size, from small and unnoticeable to large and noticeable. It is the softest and most flexible part of the ear due to its lack of cartilage, making it more prone to stretching or tearing.
Functionally, the ear lobe does not possess a vital role in the process of hearing. However, it has cultural and aesthetic significance in different societies across the world. It is commonly the site for piercings, which can hold various types of jewelry, such as earrings or ear plugs, as a form of adornment or self-expression.
From a physiological perspective, the ear lobe contains numerous blood vessels and nerve endings, providing it with a significant blood supply and sensory perception. Its sensitivity to touch and temperature allows individuals to experience sensations when the ear lobe is manipulated or stimulated.
Overall, the ear lobe is a distinctive external feature of the ear, known for its diversity in size, cultural significance, and potential for personalization.
The lower fleshy part of the auricle, or pinna.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "earlobe" is composed of two separate parts:
1. "Ear": The term "ear" comes from the Old English word "ēare", which has Germanic and Proto-Germanic roots. This term has been used in various forms across different languages. For instance, in Old High German it was "ora", and in Old Norse it appeared as "eyra". These ultimately trace back to the Proto-Indo-European root "ṓus" which means "ear".
2. "Lobe": The word "lobe" has Latin origins. It originates from the Latin term "lobus", which means "a lobe, pod, or vegetable". "Lobus" can be further traced back to the Ancient Greek word "lobos", which also refers to a "lobe" or a "pod".