Plain English Meaning

The fluid inside your inner ear that sloshes when your head moves. That sloshing is how your brain senses motion and balance.

Full Definition

The clear fluid contained within the semicircular canals and other structures of the inner ear. Movement of this fluid in response to head motion bends tiny hair cells, which send signals to the brain about position, motion, and balance.

Context Anchor

Seen in instrument flying discussions about the inner ear, balance, and why a pilot can feel motion that does not match what the flight instruments show.

Derivation

From Greek 'endo-' meaning 'inside' and 'lymph' meaning 'clear fluid.' Literally 'the fluid inside' — in this case, the fluid inside the balance organs of the inner ear.

Why Pilots Care

Endolymph movement creates sensations of that can produce false of when are lost.