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hair cell
noun
: a cell with hairlike processes
especially
: one of the sensory cells in the auditory epithelium of the organ of Corti
Examples of hair cell in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The loops inside the inner ear, called semicircular canals, can sense these movements using fluid and hair cells.
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Discover Magazine, 29 Jan. 2024
With many of the other mutations that cause deafness, hair cells die during infancy or even at the fetal stage.
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Gina Kolata, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2024
Sound sets off a wave of fluid in the cochlea and stimulates the hair cells to transmit signals to the brain.
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Gina Kolata, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2024
Hearing is a complex process that involves thousands of sensory hair cells in the inner ear.
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WIRED, 20 Oct. 2023
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hair cell.' 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
circa 1890, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near hair cell
Cite this Entry
“Hair cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hair%20cell. Accessed 18 Aug. 2024.
Medical Definition
hair cell
noun
: a cell with hairlike processes
especially
: one of the sensory cells in the auditory epithelium of the organ of Corti
More from Merriam-Webster on hair cell
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hair cell
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