The metaphorical designations of the parts of the ear in ancient Greek

Abstract

This paper examines all the metaphorical designations documented in the ancient Greek language for the visible parts of the ear. Drawing upon the cognitive theory of conceptual metaphor, the study focuses on terms primarily gathered by the Alexandrian lexicographer Pollux and the physician Rufus of Ephesus, analysing the underlying metaphorical development whenever possible. The ultimate objective is to systematise the metaphors found in auricular anatomy, demonstrating the relevance of image metaphor in shaping the Greek anatomical lexicon.