Hearing organs (4) Crossword Clue
Answer: EARS (4 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Hearing organs" with 4 letters is "EARS".Ears are the organs responsible for hearing, located on the sides of the head, and play a crucial role in detecting sound waves and transmitting them to the brain for processing. They also assist with balance and spatial orientation, making them vital for both hearing and equilibrium.
Why “Ears” Fits
The clue asks for a single word (4 letters) meaning “hearing organs.” The answer, EARS, fits perfectly:
- Hearing organs: Ears are the organs of hearing in humans and most animals, directly matching the clue’s definition.
- Direct match: With four letters, ears fits the enumeration exactly.
- Precise meaning: The term refers to the paired sensory organs responsible for detecting sound waves and maintaining balance, fully aligning with “hearing organs.”
The ear is not only a vital sensory organ but also one of the most intricate structures in human anatomy:
- Origin and usage: The word ear comes from Old English ēare, derived from Proto-Germanic ausō, related to Latin auris — all referring to the organ of hearing.
Anatomical breakdown:
- Outer ear: Collects sound waves through the pinna (visible part) and the ear canal.
- Middle ear: Transfers vibrations through three tiny bones — malleus, incus, and stapes.
- Inner ear: Contains the cochlea (for hearing) and semicircular canals (for balance).
- Function: Converts sound vibrations into electrical impulses that the brain interprets as sound and helps the body maintain orientation and balance.
Examples:
- “She cupped her ears to hear the faint music.”
- “The doctor examined his ears for infection.”
- “Humans have a remarkable range of sensitivity in their ears.”
In quick crosswords like “Hearing organs (4),” clues are often direct vocabulary-based definitions:
- Definition: “Hearing organs” points unambiguously to ears.
- Clue type: Pure definition — no trick or wordplay involved, making it straightforward and accessible to all solvers.
- Common pattern: Biological and body-part clues in quick crosswords frequently rely on clear anatomical terms (e.g., nose, eyes, skin, ears), especially when paired with short enumerations.
The plural form “organs” in the clue ensures the plural answer ears rather than ear.
