Otolith

Alternative forms

• otolite

Origin

From Ancient Greek ωτο (ōto), stem of οὖς (ous, "ear") + λίθος (lithos, "stone").

Full definition of otolith

Noun

1. (zoology) A small particle, comprised mainly of calcium carbonate, found in the inner ear of vertebrates, being part of the balance sense.

Synonyms

• otoconium
• otosteon
• statoconium
• statolith

Derived terms

• otolithic