Otolith
otolith (calcium crystal in the inner ear sensing linear acceleration)
noun oh-toh-LEET Rare
Origin: from Greek ous (ear) + lithos (stone)
Usage Note
Otolith (plural Otolithen) are tiny calcium carbonate crystals in the vestibular system that sense gravity and linear movement. Dislodged otoliths cause benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, a condition widely discussed in German health media.
Examples
"Beim Lagerungsschwindel lösen sich Otolithen aus ihrer Verankerung."
Natural Translation
In positional vertigo, otoliths detach from their anchorage.
Literal Translation
In positioning-vertigo detach otoliths from their anchoring.
Related Words
- Akkommodation accommodation (focusing adjustment of the eye lens)
- Anosmie anosmia, loss of smell
- Blick look
- Bogengang semicircular canal (inner ear)
- Brennen burning sensation
- Dunkeladaptation dark adaptation (eye adjustment from light to darkness)
- Dämmerungssehen twilight vision, scotopic vision
- Eigengeruch body odour; characteristic personal scent
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