earwax

Everyday

1. Earwax is the soft yellow or brown waxy stuff that the body makes inside the ear canal. tree →
2. It protects the ear by catching dust and germs and keeping the skin from drying out. tree →

In the lessons

In science and health lessons, earwax is a natural part of the body that cleans itself; doctors say not to push cotton buds (cotton swabs, Q-tips) into ears, as this can push wax deeper and hurt the eardrum. In funny stories, earwax is a «yucky» detail. Phrases: «build-up of earwax», «ear drops».

Examples

• Earwax helps keep dirt out of your ears. tree →
• Never poke cotton buds into your ear to remove earwax. tree →
• The doctor put drops in my ear to soften the earwax. tree →
• Earwax can be yellow, orange or brown. tree →
• Too much earwax can make it hard to hear. tree →
• In the story, the troll had earwax as thick as butter. tree →

Note

Uncountable: «some earwax», not «an earwax». Written as one word (also «ear wax»). The body moves earwax out by itself, so most people do not need to clean inside the ear.