earstones
/ˈɪrˌstoʊnz/
noun
- Small bones in the inner ear of vertebrates that help with balance and hearing; also called otoliths.
- The earstones in mammals are crucial for maintaining equilibrium while moving.
- Scientists study the growth rings of earstones to determine the age of a fish.
- Fish use their earstones to sense changes in water pressure and orientation.