auriculars
|au-ric-u-lars|
🇺🇸
/ɔːˈrɪkjələrz/
🇬🇧
/ɔːˈrɪkjʊləz/
(auricular)
related to the ear
Etymology
'auricular' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'auricula' (a diminutive of 'auris'), where 'auris' meant 'ear' and the diminutive suffix '-cula' meant 'little (ear)'.
'auricular' changed from Latin 'auricula' and Late Latin 'auricularis', passed into Old French as 'auriculaire' and eventually became the modern English word 'auricular'.
Initially, it meant 'of or relating to the little ear' (literally), and over time it evolved into the broader modern meaning 'relating to the ear' and by extension to items associated with the ear such as 'earpieces'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of 'auricular' used to refer to earpieces or earphones (especially older or technical usage for telephone earpieces).
He fitted the auriculars before answering the line.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
(historical/archaic) Persons who hear confessions — i.e., confessors or those who listen to penitents.
The auriculars sat in the vestry to receive the penitents' confessions.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/20 19:03