Dictionary

otalgia Ear pain; earache. Otalgia can originate within the ear, the ear canal, or the external ear.

OTC Over-the-counter.

otitis Inflammation of the ear. See also ear infection.

otitis externa See ear infection, external.

oto- Prefix meaning ear, as in otology (the study and medical care of the ear) and otoplasty (plastic surgery to reshape the outer ear).

otolaryngologist See ENT.

otology The study and medical care of the ear.

otopharyngeal tube See Eustachian tube.

otoplasty Plastic surgery to reshape the outer ear.

otosclerosis The abnormal formation of new bone in the middle ear that gradually immobilizes the stapes (stirrup bone) and prevents it from vibrating in response to sound, causing progressive loss of hearing. Otosclerosis usually affects both ears.

otoscope An instrument for looking in the ear.

osteoclast A type of large bone cell that plays a role in the growth and repair of bones. Osteoclasts may also appear abnormally. See also osteoclastoma.