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basilar membrane
noun
: a membrane extending from the bony shelf of the cochlea to the outer wall and supporting the organ of Corti
Examples of basilar membrane in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
When implanting cochlear implants, Polley explained, surgeons thread electrodes into specific locations along the basilar membrane to target nerves that are sensitive to particular frequencies.
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Justin Chen, STAT, 11 July 2018
Within the cochlea, hair cells rest on an organic platform known as the basilar membrane that is floppy and wide on one end and narrow and taut on the other.
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Justin Chen, STAT, 11 July 2018
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'basilar membrane.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1842, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near basilar membrane
Cite this Entry
“Basilar membrane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basilar%20membrane. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
Medical Definition
basilar membrane
noun
: a membrane that extends from the margin of the bony shelf of the cochlea to the outer wall and that supports the organ of Corti
More from Merriam-Webster on basilar membrane
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about basilar membrane
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