earwax

earwax A natural wax-like substance secreted by glands in the skin on the outer part of the ear canal. Earwax repels water and traps dust and sand particles. Usually small amounts of wax accumulate and then dry up and fall out of the ear canal, carrying unwanted particles. Earwax is helpful in normal amounts. The absence of earwax may result in dry, itchy ears, and in infection. There are two types of earwax: wet and dry. Most whites and blacks have the wet type, and most Asians and Native Americans have the dry type.