Pronunciation: [pɹˈɪkt ˈi͡əz] (IPA) 
The phrase "pricked ears" is commonly used to describe when animals, such as dogs, raise their ears in a curious or alert manner. The phonetic transcription of this phrase in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) would be /prɪkt ɪərz/. The "pr" blend is followed by the short "i" and "ck" sounds, while the "ed" suffix is pronounced like a "t" due to the following vowel sound. The final "s" is also pronounced as a "z".
"Pricked ears" refers to the state or position of an animal's ears, particularly that of certain species such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and horses, which have erect, pointed, or upright ears. It is a phrase used to describe the way an animal holds its ears when they are alert, attentive, or engaged in listening to sounds in their surroundings.
When an animal's ears are pricked, they are held upright, facing forward, and often slightly tilted to enhance their ability to detect sounds. This position allows the animal to capture and focus on auditory stimuli, enabling acute perception and enhancing their alertness to potential dangers or interesting events. It is a common behavior observed in animals, especially when they are curious, intrigued, or bewildered by sounds, which stimulates their instincts, curiosity, or sense of vigilance.
The term "pricked ears" is derived from the visual appearance of the animal's ears, which seem to be elongated or extended due to the erect position they adopt. This indicates a heightened state of attention, as the animal's ears play a vital role in gathering auditory information from their environment. Additionally, pricked ears can also indicate an animal's readiness to respond, such as when it is preparing to pounce on prey or react to a perceived threat.
Overall, pricked ears are a physiological and behavioral trait seen in animals that denotes their increased sensory focus, attentiveness, and receptiveness to auditory stimuli, thereby contributing to their survival instincts and situational awareness.
The phrase "pricked ears" is not a standalone word but rather a phrase that describes the physical position of an animal's ears. The etymology of the individual words within the phrase can be traced as follows:
1. Prick: The word "prick" comes from Middle English "pricken" which means "to pierce or penetrate". It derives from Old English "prician" meaning "to prick, sting, or puncture".
2. Ears: The word "ears" comes from Middle English "ere" which comes from Old English "ēare". This word has ancient Germanic roots and has similar forms in other Germanic languages.
When combined, "pricked ears" refers to the act of an animal (usually a dog or horse) raising or straightening its ears, typically to face the direction of a sound or to show interest.
