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. 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. 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. Gina Kolata, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2024 Hearing is a complex process that involves thousands of sensory hair cells in the inner ear. WIRED, 20 Oct. 2023 See all Example Sentences for hair cell 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of hair cell was circa 1890

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

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