An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The vertebrate organ of hearing, which is also responsible for maintaining equilibrium. It is usually composed of three parts: the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear.

Etymology (EN): M.E. ere, O.E. eare “ear” (O.N. eyra, Dan. øre, M.Du. ore, Du. oor, O.H.G. ora, Ger. Ohr); cf. Gk. aus; L. auris; Av. usi “both ears;” Lith. ausis; O.C.S. ucho; O.Ir. au; PIE *ous-.

Etymology (PE): Guš “ear” (gušidan “to hear,” niyušidan “to listen”);
Mid.Pers. gôš “ear,” gôšidan “to hear, listen;” O.Pers. gauša-; Av. gaoša- “ear,” gaoš- “to hear;”
cf. Skt. ghosa- “noise, tumult,” ghus- “to sound, cry or proclaim aloud;” PIE *ghous-.