The term applied to a cob of maize likely originates from an older, more general usage of the word “ear.” In this context, “ear” does not refer to the auditory organ, but rather signifies the seed-bearing head of a grain plant. An example of this older usage can be found in references to “ears” of wheat or barley, though these terms are less common today.
This terminology reflects a historical understanding of agriculture and plant morphology. Prior to modern botany, common terms were frequently derived from readily observable features. Describing the seed-bearing portion of the corn plant as an “ear” highlighted its distinct and prominent nature. The benefit of this descriptive terminology was its immediate comprehensibility to those familiar with agriculture, even without formal botanical training. Furthermore, maintaining this established nomenclature preserves a connection to agricultural history and the evolving lexicon of farming practices.