The yellowish waxy substance secreted in the ear canal that protects and lubricates the ear.
Compound of 'ear' (Old English 'eare') and 'wax' (Old English 'weax'). Medieval English speakers accurately named it because it resembles actual beeswax in texture and appearance.
Your earwax is your ear's personal security system: it's antimicrobial, water-repellent, and traps dust before it reaches your eardrum! The color tells a story too—wet earwax is common in people of African and European descent, while dry earwax is more common in Asian populations, and scientists still aren't sure why.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.