heard
Definition
Heard is the past tense of the verb hear. It means to perceive sound with the ears.
Hearing is a complex process that involves the ears, the brain, and the nervous system. Sound waves travel from the source of the sound to our ears. The eardrum vibrates in response to the sound waves, and these vibrations are converted into electrical signals by the cochlea. The cochlea is a spiral-shaped organ in the inner ear. The electrical signals are then sent to the brain, where they are interpreted as sound.
The range of sounds that we can hear is limited. We cannot hear sounds that are too low in frequency or too high in frequency. We also cannot hear sounds that are too quiet or too loud.
Hearing is an important sense for humans. It allows us to communicate with each other, to enjoy music, and to be aware of our surroundings. Hearing loss can be caused by a number of factors, including ageing, exposure to loud noise, and certain medical conditions.
How can the word be used?
The judge heard the arguments of the lawyers.
Different forms of the word
Noun: heard.
Verb: hear.
Adjective: unheard.
Adverb: unheard of.
Etymology
The word "heard" has two different etymologies, which are the sources of its different meanings.
The first etymology of "heard" is from the Old English word "hierdan", which means "to listen". This is the origin of the meaning of "heard" as to perceive something through the ear.
The second etymology of "heard" is from the Old English word "heorfan", which means "to obey". This is the origin of the meaning of "heard" as to obey someone's commands.
Question
What does heard mean?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Explain how sound is heard and the role of the human ear in the auditory process.
Answer:
Hearing is the process by which sound waves are detected and interpreted by the human auditory system. The human ear plays a pivotal role in this process. When sound waves, which are variations in air pressure caused by vibrating objects, reach the ear, they travel through the external auditory canal and strike the eardrum, causing it to vibrate.
These vibrations are then transmitted through three tiny bones in the middle ear – the hammer (malleus), anvil (incus), and stirrup (stapes) – amplifying the sound. The stirrup bone connects to the oval window of the cochlea, a spiral-shaped, fluid-filled structure in the inner ear.
Within the cochlea, specialised hair cells convert mechanical vibrations into electrical signals. These signals are then transmitted through the auditory nerve to the brain, where they are interpreted as sound.
In essence, the human ear acts as a transducer, converting sound waves into electrical signals that the brain can process. This intricate process enables us to hear a wide range of sounds and plays a vital role in our ability to communicate, perceive our environment, and enjoy music and other auditory experiences.