earwax

[ eer-waks ]

/ ˈɪərˌwæks /

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noun

a yellowish, waxlike secretion from certain glands in the external auditory canal; cerumen.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of earwax

First recorded in 1350–1400, earwax is from the Middle English word erewax.See ear¹, wax¹

Words nearby earwax

earthworm, earthy, ear to the ground, have one's, ear trumpet, ear tuft, earwax, earwig, earwigging, earwitness, earworm, ear wrap

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use earwax in a sentence

They can obviously accumulate earwax over time, but sweat and dirt can also build up in the silicone tips.
Get your AirPods squeaky clean with these simple tips|Natasha Roy|November 1, 2021|Popular-Science
When you let grime build up in your AirPods, you risk ear pain, fungal infections, excess earwax, and more.
Get your AirPods squeaky clean with these simple tips|Natasha Roy|November 1, 2021|Popular-Science
It’s understandable that you want to poke inside given that there’s earwax buildup, but you should understand that the fact that you even have earwax means that you have healthy ears.
Clean your ears safely with this $30 smart ear cleaner & HD camera|Stack Commerce|October 18, 2021|Popular-Science
For example, consistent use can result in earwax build-up, so you’ll want to make sure you regularly clean out your ears either professionally or with ear drops.
If you’re dreaming of the best headphones for sleeping, here they are|Carsen Joenk|October 7, 2021|Popular-Science

It’s unclear how much it will cost to replace the custom tips later on if they get worn from use, loaded with earwax, or you just biff the first molding process.
UE’s new headphones use an app and LED lights to create a truly custom fit|Stan Horaczek|October 1, 2020|Popular-Science
Saliva, tears, nostrils, and earwax; the great weakness and pain in the body reminds me of cerebro-spinal meningitis.
New, Old, and Forgotten Remedies: Papers by Many Writers|Various
Earwax, which had been very dry, now flows from both ears, but is more free on the left side.
New, Old, and Forgotten Remedies: Papers by Many Writers|Various

British Dictionary definitions for earwax

earwax

/ (ˈɪəˌwæks) /

noun

the nontechnical name for cerumen

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012