in anatomy. See there, n° 405.

in music, denotes a kind of internal sense, whereby we perceive and judge of harmony and musical sounds. See Music.

In music we seem universally to acknowledge something like a distinct sense from the external one of hearing; and call it a good ear. And the like distinction we should probably acknowledge in other affairs, had we got distinct names to denote these powers of perception by. Thus a greater capacity of perceiving the beauties of painting, architecture, &c. is called a fine taste.

EAR is also used to signify a long cluster of flowers, or seeds, produced by certain plants; usually called by botanists, spica. The flowers and seeds of wheat, rye, barley, &c. grow in ears. The same holds of the flowers of lavender, &c. We say the stem of the ear, i.e. its tube, or straw; the knot of the ear; the lobes, or cells wherein the grains are inclosed; the beard of the ear, &c.

EAR-Asc. See (the Index subjoined to) Medicine.

EAR-Pick, an instrument of ivory, silver, or other metal, somewhat in form of a probe, for cleansing the ear.

The Chinese have a variety of these instruments, with which they are mighty fond of tickling their ears; but this practice, Sir Hans Sloane observes, must be very prejudicial to so delicate an organ, by bringing too great a flow of humours on it.

EAR-Ring. See PENDENT.

EAR-Wax. See Ear-Wax.

EARWIG, in zoology. See FORNICULA.