Dictionary > Stirrup

Stirrup

The stirrup-shaped ossicle that transmits sound from the incus to the cochlea.stirrup
1. A kind of ring, or bent piece of metal, wood, leather, or the like, horizontal in one part for receiving the foot of a rider, and attached by a strap to the saddle, used to assist a person in mounting a horse, and to enable him to sit steadily in riding, as well as to relieve him by supporting a part of the weight of the body. Our host upon his stirpoes stood anon. (Chaucer)
2. (Science: machinery) Any piece resembling in shape the stirrup of a saddle, and used as a support, clamp, etc. See bridle iron.
3. A rope secured to a yard, with a thimble in its lower end for supporting a footrope.
(Science: anatomy) Stirrup bone, the stapes. Stirrup cup, a parting cup taken after mounting. Stirrup iron, an iron stirrup. Stirrup leather, or Stirrup strap, the strap which attaches a stirrup to the saddle. See Stirrup.
Origin: OE. Stirop, AS. Stigrap; stigan to mount, ascend – rap a rope; akin to G. Stegreif a stirrup. 164. See Sty, and Rope.


You will also like...

Ploidy
Polyploidy

Humans are diploid creatures. This means that for every chromosome in the body, there is another one to match it. Howeve..

Types and Causes of Brain Damage
Types and Causes of Brain Damage

This tutorial describes the different types and causes of brain damage. Find out how genetics, physical injury, lack of ..

DNA - schematic
Genetic Mutations

This tutorial looks at the mutation at the gene level and the harm it may bring. Learn about single nucleotide polymorph..

Gene Pool and Speciation
The Gene Pool and Population Genetics

According to Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection, preferable genes are favored by nature in the gene pool, and ..

Psychiatry and mental disorders
Psychiatry & Mental Disorders

Different mental disorders are described here. Read this tutorial to get an overview of schizophrenia, affective mood di..

Structural depiction of catalase, an enzyme
Protein Activity and Cellular Metabolism

Proteins have a crucial role in various biological activities. Get to know how proteins are able to perform as enzymes, ..

Related Articles...

No related articles found

See all Related Topics