auricle

 
Pronunciation: /ˈɔːrɪk(ə)l/

noun

Anatomy & Biology
  • 1a structure resembling an ear or ear lobe: grass leaves often have two auricles at the junction between the leaf sheath and the blade
  • the external part or pinna of the ear.
  • 2another term for atrium (of the heart). blood passes downward from the auricle to the ventricle
  • a small muscular flap on the surface of each atrium of the heart.

Origin:

late Middle English: from Latin auricula 'external part of the ear', diminutive of auris 'ear'