Definition of "ossicle" in Englisch

noun

1. (anatomy) A small bone (or bony structure), especially one of the three of the middle ear.

   • The incus is one of the three auditory ossicles.

2. (zoology) Bone-like joint or plate, especially:

   • The skeleton of echinoderms is made of ossicles, linked to each other via muscles and connective tissue.