ear-ache

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Pain in the ear: "ear-ache" refers to a continuous or intermittent pain located inside the ear, often caused by infection, inflammation, or pressure changes.

Usage Examples

• (Pain inside the ear following water exposure.)
• (Persistent pain in the ear causing discomfort.)

Advanced Usage

• "to have an ear-ache": to experience pain in the ear.

  • He had an ear-ache and needed to see a doctor. (He suffered from ear pain requiring medical attention.)

• "a dull ear-ache": a less intense, throbbing type of ear pain.

  • The dull ear-ache persisted for several days. (A mild but constant pain in the ear.)

Variants and Related Words

• Earache (n): alternative spelling of "ear-ache," meaning the same condition.

  • Earache is common in young children. (Ear pain is frequent in early childhood.)

• Ear (n): the organ of hearing; the part of the body where ear-ache occurs.

  • The doctor examined her ear for signs of infection. (The ear was inspected for the cause of pain.)

• Ache (n): a continuous or prolonged pain, not necessarily in the ear.

  • He had a stomach ache after eating too much. (A general term for pain in a specific body part.)

Synonyms

• Otalgia: a medical term for ear pain.

  • The patient was diagnosed with otalgia. (Ear pain as a clinical condition.)

• Ear pain: a descriptive phrase for the same sensation.

  • Ear pain can be caused by a cold. (The feeling of discomfort in the ear.)

Related Idioms

• "to have an ear-ache for something" (rare, informal): to be very eager or keen for something (metaphorical extension).

  • He has an ear-ache for the latest news. (He is intensely curious about news, though this usage is uncommon.)

• "to be an ear-ache" (slang): to be a persistent or annoying person or thing (not standard).

  • That constant noise is an ear-ache. (The noise is irritating, like a literal ear pain.)

Phrasal Verbs

• None directly associated with "ear-ache." The word is typically used as a noun only.