1. small bones, especially the three tiny bones in the middle ear (malleus, incus, and stapes) that transmit sound vibrations
Usage: anatomy; plural form

Examples

• The ossicles in the middle ear amplify sound waves before they reach the inner ear.
• Damage to the ossicles can result in hearing loss.
• The malleus is the largest of the three ossicles.
• Surgeons can sometimes repair damaged ossicles to restore hearing.
• The ossicles are among the smallest bones in the human body.
• Sound vibrations cause the ossicles to move in a chain reaction.