ear-wax
Definition
- Noun (uncountable):
- A yellowish, waxy substance secreted in the ear canal that helps protect and clean the ear.
Usage Examples
- (The waxy substance inside the ear.)
- (Too much of this substance can block sound.)
Advanced Usage
"impacted ear-wax": ear-wax that has become hard and stuck in the ear canal, often requiring professional removal.
- She had impacted ear-wax that needed to be flushed out by a nurse. (Hardened wax blocking the ear.)
"ear-wax buildup": the accumulation of ear-wax over time.
- Regular cleaning can prevent ear-wax buildup. (Preventing the wax from collecting.)
Variants and Related Words
Earwax (alternative spelling): same meaning as ear-wax.
- The label on the bottle says it is for removing earwax. (The product is for cleaning the ear.)
Wax (n): a substance similar to ear-wax but produced by plants or animals (e.g., beeswax).
- Beeswax is used in candles, unlike ear-wax which is found in the ear.
Synonyms
- Cerumen (technical/medical term): the scientific name for ear-wax.
- Cerumen is produced by glands in the ear canal. (The medical term for ear-wax.)
Related Idioms
- (No common idioms use this word.)