Ohrenschmalz

earwax, cerumen

noun OH-ren-shmalts Rare

Usage Note

Ohrenschmalz is the waxy secretion produced in the ear canal that traps dust and protects the eardrum. Blockage (Ohrenschmalzpfropf) is a common reason people visit a GP, and the word is very much everyday vocabulary.

Examples

"Zu viel Ohrenschmalz kann das Hörvermögen beeinträchtigen."

Natural Translation

Too much earwax can affect hearing ability.

Literal Translation

Too much earwax can the hearing-ability impair.

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